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Ahok questioned for nine hours over blasphemy allegation
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Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama speaks to journalists after he was questioned by interrogators from the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) in Jakarta on Monday concerning a case of alleged blasphemy. (Antara/Hafidz Mubarak A.)
T
he National Police's interrogation of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who has been accused of blasphemy, at the Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) lasted for nine hours on Monday.
Ahok's lawyer Sirra Prayuna said that his client answered 22 questions during the interrogation. Ahok voluntarily submitted to his first interrogation by Bareskrim on Oct. 24, during which police investigators asked him eight questions.
"Pak Ahok answered the questions readily," Sirra said afterwards on Monday.
A spokesman from Ahok's campaign team, Ruhut Sitompul, confirmed what Sirra said.
Meanwhile, Ahok would not comment about the questioning. "Good evening. It has been made clear [by Sirra and Ruhut]. If you want to ask another question, just ask the police. I want to go home. I'm hungry," he added.
Ahok was reported by a number of Islamic organizations for making a speech in which he mentioned Surah al-Maidah, Verse 51 of the Quran while visiting the Thousand Islands regency in late September.
In his speech, Ahok said, “In your inner hearts, Bapak/Ibu may not vote for me, because [you have been] lied to by [using] Surah al-Maidah, Verse 51, etc. […] So, if you cannot vote for me because you are afraid of being condemned to hell you do not need to feel uneasy as you are being fooled. It is alright.” (bbn)
