TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - The Ambassador of the Republic of Indonesia to Saudi Arabia, Agus Maftuh Abegebriel, confirmed the arrest of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab by Saudi Arabia security forces in Mecca.
The arrest was conducted by the Mecca Police who visited Rizieq’s residence on November 5, at 08:00 local time.
“The visit was based on the information about a black flag that resembled the flag of an extremist movement put on the wall in Rizieq's house,” he said, Wednesday, November 7. The police briefly examined Rizieq's residence at that time.
Read: Rizieq Shihab Questioned by Saudi Police upon ISIS-like Flag
Agus said, the Arab government strongly prohibits all forms of jargon, labels, attributes, and symbols of anything that led to terrorism such as ISIS, Al-Qaeda, and Al-Jama'ah al-Islamiyyah. It also monitors the social media activities. The IT violation related to terrorism is considered a serious crime.
In the afternoon, at around 4:00 local time, the Mecca Police, the general intelligence Mabahis Ammah, and the General Investigation Directorate took Rizieq to the police station. “Rizieq Shihab was later detained by the Mecca regional police for the investigation process,” he said.
After being examined, Rizieq was taken to the Mansyuriah Resort Police of Mecca on Tuesday, November 6, at around 16:00. At 20:00, accompanied by Indonesian Consulate staff, Rizieq Shihab was released on bail by the Mecca Police.
VINDRY FLORENTIN
