Baasyir's surgery canceled

Terrorist suspect Abu Bakar Baasyir has to cancel plans for cataract surgery today, his lawyer said.

The firebrand cleric was scheduled for an operation by optimologist Isfahani from Aini Hospital at Polri (National Police) Hospital in Kramat Jati, East Jakarta.

"It was canceled because Polri Hospital won't accept hold an operation if it is carried out by Isfahani," lawyer M. Luthfi Hakim told The Jakarta Post.

He expressed his disappointment because previously the police said the operation could be conducted by any doctor chosen by Baasyir and his team.

"When we asked the investigators [from Polri] about it, they said the authority had been forwarded to the prosecutors," Luthfi said.

Earlier this week, Baasyir's case was handed to the South Jakarta Prosecutor's Office, which means that he is now the office's detainee.

Luthfi said the team would send a letter requesting the operation be carried out next Monday.

The sight to Baasyir's left eye, according to people close to him, had been deteriorating since he was held in the National Police Detention Center.

Baasyir was arrested in August.