W

est Java Police have released from detention two suspects accused of vandalism of Ahmadiyah property in Tasikmalaya regency.

Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Martinus Sitompul said release appeals had been filed by lawyers for the suspects, identified only as TA and AR, and police agreed to release them on Monday.

Investigators granted the release on the basis of the families'€™ appeals and the fact that the men'€™s identities and home addresses had been established. The men had been detained for 20 days.

'€œThe investigation is also complete,'€ Martinus said on Tuesday.

Both suspects, who face five years imprisonment, are required to report to the local police or West Java Police on Mondays and Thursdays.

The men were arrested after an attack on houses of worship and homes belonging to members of the Indonesian Ahmadiyah Congregation (JAI) in Salawu and Singaparna districts in Tasikmalaya regency on May 5. They were arrested on May 7.

Police charged them with violating Article 406 of the Criminal Code on vandalism.

Commenting on the release, the Bandung Legal Aid Institute director Arip Yogiawan urged the police to continue the legal process. He said the release did not mean the suspects had been cleared of the offenses they had been charged with.

'€œThe release does not end the investigation. Police must process the case in accordance with existing procedures,'€ said Arip, adding that the police should ensure the safety of JAI followers in Tasikmalaya.

JAI spokesman in Tenjowaringin village in Salawu, Dodi Kurniawan, said the May 5 attack involved hundreds of unidentified people. The mob vandalized 29 buildings, including a prayer house, a mosque and an elementary school.

'€œTenjowaringin village is 80 percent dominated by Ahmadiyah followers,'€ said Dodi.

Prior to the attack, JAI had held a grand religious gathering in Tenjowaringin on May 3. The private event was only attended by Ahmadis.