TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - National Police spokesperson Brig. Gen. Rikwanto explained about the arrest made against a number of activists ahead of the peaceful rally launched on Friday, March 31, 2017, or the 313 Rally. Previously, police also arrested a number of individuals linked to a similar rally.
Some individuals viewed that the arrests were similar to the method employed by the ruler during the New Order under former President Soeharto’s leadership.
“The arrests were made based on investigators’ considerations,” Rikwanto said during a press conference at the National Police headquarter in Jakarta on Friday, March 31, 2017.
Read: Minister Wiranto to Verify Legitimacy of Al-Khaththath Arrest
According to Rikwanto, investigators have their own strategies in arrested suspects or wanted people.
“An arrest can be made in any possible situations. So, it’s just about strategy,” Rikwanto explained.
Earlier, police arrested Muslim People Forum (FUI) secretary General Muhammad Al Khaththath, along with other activists, namely Zainudin Arsyad, Irwansyah, Dikho Nugraha and Andry.
“The arrests were made based on evidence indicating treason,” Rikwanto said, adding that the arrests were not directly linked to the 313 rally.
The individuals were arrested based on a police report filed on March 27, 2017. They are charged with Article 110 in conjunction with Article 107 of the Criminal Code.
REZKY ALVIONITASARI
