Radical Islamist group leader vows to protect witness

The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Thu, 09/18/2008 6:03 PM | Jakarta

A radical Islamist group leader standing trial for inciting violence, on Thursday promised to protect the witnesses who testified against him

Islam Defender Troop (LPI) commander Muhammad Machsuni Kaloko said in a trial at the Central Jakarta District Court that he would order his followers to back off from terrorizing the witnesses.

"I can guarantee and promise the safety of the witnesses. I will tell all of my people not to break this promise," Machsuni said at the end of the trial.

Earlier in the trial, the witnesses, Sadiman and Idrus Mubalik, demanded the presiding judge issue a warrant for their safety as they were testifying against the leader of a notoriously violent religious group.

Members of the group allegedly took part in a violent brawl between civil rights activists and radical Islamist groups at the National Monument complex in June.

On June 1, the National Alliance for the Freedom of Faith and Religion (AKKBB) rallied at the National Monument Complex to celebrate the 63rd anniversary of the Pancasila state ideology.

One of the main themes of their rally was the freedom of religious beliefs. During that time, a minority Islamic sect called Ahmadiyah was being prosecuted by the public as heretics.

Another group of people identified as members of LPI, Islam Troop Command (KLI) and Islam Defender Front (FPI) came and confronted the rally, which immediately turned into a riot.

Sadiman and Idrus Mubalik claim that they were there during the incident, but did not represent any of the two disputing groups.

Idrus said he saw a woman and a child wounded after the incident. He said he did not witness who hurt them, but saw people in mostly white outfits hitting other group of people and told them to abandon the rally.

Idrus, said he saw and heard Machsuni giving orders to some people. "It's enough. We have succeeded today," Idrus said quoting Machsuni.

Machsuni confirmed the statement, but said that he was merely making orders to gather his people. He denied that his people were committing violence against women and children. (ast)

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