Thousands FPI members swarm the State Palace
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta | Wed, 08/27/2008 1:54 PM
Thousands of members and supporters of the Islam Defender Front (FPI) staged a rally in front of the State Palace in Central Jakarta Monday afternoon protesting against Jamaah Ahmadiyah sect.
Tempointeraktif.com reported that the masses arrived on motorcycles, cars, and open trucks around noon after convoying the downtown streets of Jakarta, creating traffic congestions in the morning.
Several FPI members delivered orations through loud speakers, demanding that the government release FPI leader Rizieq Shihab.
Rizieq had been detained and is currently on trial in relation t FPI's violent ambush to a peace rally in the National Monument (Monas) compound in June.
Some 70 activists were injured during the attacks on the rally, which was held in support of pluralism and Jamaah Ahmadiyah, a minority Islamic sect recently dubbed "heretical" by a government panel.
A total of ten suspects have been named in the case and other indictments are being prepared.
The police anticipated the arrival of FPI members, guarding the FPI convoy from Hotel Indonesia traffic circle and setting up barbed wire barricades and water cannons in front of the palace. (dre)
