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Two witnesses testify in FPI leader's Monas trial
Two witnesses testified Monday in a case brought against Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Syihab at the Central Jakarta District Court over the National Monument (Monas) attack last June
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Two witnesses testified Monday in a case brought against Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Syihab at the Central Jakarta District Court over the National Monument (Monas) attack last June.
Ahmad Suaedi from the Wahid Institute and Mugiyono, a police officer at the Eastern Monas police post in Central Jakarta, appeared before the court.
During the hearing, presiding judge Panusunan Harahap asked Ahmad why the National Alliance for the Freedom of Faith and Religion (AKKBB) mentioned the Muslim sect Ahmadiyah in its invitation published in the media concerning its event on June 1.
The event was held in support of Ahmadiyah and to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the Pancasila state ideology.
The mention of "Ahmadiyah" on the invitation triggered a concentration of groups of people who later attacked AKKBB activists at Monas park.
Ahmad said the invitation indicated there were "some parties" that carried out violence against Ahmadiyah followers across the country and he referred in this respect to FPI.
"FPI often did (violence against Ahmadiyah)," said Ahmad as quoted by Antara, adding that he had made observations to verify this.
His statement was booed by dozens of FPI followers who attended the hearing.
Rizieq was charged with violating Criminal Code Articles 170, for ambush and 156, for inciting hostility, during the Monas attack.
Some 70 activists were injured during the attack on the peaceful rally.
According to prosecutor Asep Mulyana, Rizieq might face four to seven years in jail.
Another suspect in the same case, Islam Troop Command (KLI) leader Munarman faced up to seven years in prison on Friday.
He has been charged with violating criminal code article 170 on ambush, article 406 on damage to property, article 351 on torture and Article 160 on provocation.
Rizieq's and Munarman's trials are always attended by dozens of supporters of FPI and KLI.
Last week, AKKBB activists reported FPI supporters to the Jakarta Police over alleged violence towards one of their group. FPI supporters were reported to get angry at an activist's statement; they allegedly then pulled her hair and her shirt at the Central Jakarta District Court.
