TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Islamic Defender Front (FPI) leader Muhammad Rizieq Shihab argued that anyone attempting to hamper the December 2 Rally could be criminally charged.
"Anyone in the Republic of Indonesia cannot ban a protest, even if he is the President," Rizieq said after attending a questioning as a witness for religious blasphemy case involving inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama at the National Police's Criminal Investigation Corps (Bareskrim) in Jakarta on Wednesday, November 23, 2016.
Rizieq pointed out that the upcoming December 2 Rally is guaranteed under Law No. 9/1998 on the Freedom to Express Opinion in Public. Article 18 of the law states that any individual attempting to hamper or block a protest using violence can be charged with 1 year in prison.
"So, if the President, the National Police chief, or anyone tried to ban the peaceful rally guaranteed by the law, they can be charged with 1 year in prison," Rizieq explained.
Earlier, police called on protesters who will participate in the rally to behave. Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen. Mochamad Iriawan also suggested protesters not to perform Friday Prayers on streets. National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian previously called on protesters not to block roads during the rally.
According to Rizieq, the upcoming rally is aimed at following up the first and second rallies held on October 14 and November 4, 2016.
"The demand is still the same: Ahok must be arrested," Rizieq said.
REZKI ALVIONITASARI
