TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Jakarta Metro Police will investigate the alleged cases of violence conducted against Metro TV and Global TV journalists that happened during the 112 Rally at the Istiqlal Mosque on February 11, 2017.
"We'll question the witnesses and investigate the CCTV recordings, if there are any," said Jakarta Metro Police Chief Gen. Mochammad Iriawan on Monday, February 13, 2017.
Iriawan promised that he would attempt to uncover the case and has asked for people who possess information related to the case to inform the authorities.
In the meantime, he plans to question witness from journalist's side to gather their testimonies. "We'll question the witnesses from the journalist's side," Iriawan said. Iriawan also revealed that he would possibly summon the leader responsible for the 112 Rally, if necessary.
Iriawan also criticized the acts of violence that journalists received. "No violence should be conducted against them, they are protected by the Constitution," General Iriawan said.
Based on a number of witness testimonies by the Independent Journalist Alliance (AJI) Jakarta, the act of violence occurred when two Metro TV Journalists, Desi Bo (reporter) and Ucha Fernandes (cameraman) were covering the 112 Rally on 11:00 AM Indonesian Western Time in the area of the Istiqlal Mosque. Suddenly a group of people attempted to oust them from the location.
The two Metro TV journalists were then herded off by the mass of people. They were also being forced out of the vicinity of the Mosque. Ucha Fernandez claims that he was hit throughout his neck, stomach, and leg. Meanwhile, Desi's head was struck by a bamboo stick that was used as a flag holder by some of the 112 act participants.
Global TV cameraman, Dino, also received intimidation during the 112 Rally. Dino was accused of being disrespectful when he mentioned, Rizieq Syihab, without mentioning his 'Habib' title.
The large groups of people forced him to add the title of habib upon mentioning Rizieq. Another case of intimidation was conducted against a Kompas TV media vehicle by the mass participants of the 112 act.
EGI ADYATAMA | REZKI ALVIONITASARI
