TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The National Police Criminal Investigation Unit (Bareskrim) yesterday has concluded investigation into alleged blasphemy committed by inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama. Police held the case expose yesterday to examine the investigation and hear witnesses statement.
Police will announce today the decision on whether to continue investigation into the case. Bareskrim chief Comr. Gen. Ari Dono Sukmanto said investigation will only be carried out if police found elements of crime in Ahok’s remarks made in the Seribu Islands on September. “If we didn’t find elements of crime, we will stop it,” he said yesterday.
Investigators brought at least 20 people in the case expose. Among those present were the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) chief Rizieq Shihab and other plaintiffs from the Anti-Blasphemy Forum (FAPA). Ahok was represented by his defense lawyer Sirra Prayuna. Police invited 18 expert witnesses in criminal law, religion and the language field, seven of whom were appointed by Bareskrim.
Ahok’s defense lawyer Sirra Prayuna expressed that his client had no intention to insult any religion. However, he will let police undertake legal proceedings.
The FPI chief Rizieq Shihab has a different opinion. He had planned to submit additional evidence of books and video today. “We demand [police] to name Ahok as suspect and arrest him,” Rizieq said after the case expose.
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