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FPI leader Rizieq Shihab questions suspension of Twitter accounts
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Under investigation – Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab (left) arrives at the West Java Police headquarters in Bandung, West Java, to attend a questioning session on Jan. 12. Rizieq on Tuesday questioned the apparent suspension of FPI Twitter accounts.
(Antara/Fahrul Jayadiputra)
T
he Islam Defenders Front (FPI) has slammed the blocking and suspension of three Twitter accounts affiliated with the conservative group.
The three accounts — @DPP_FPI, @syihabrizieq and @HumasFPI — are official information channels for the group on social media.
"We are wondering why they are suspended and who wanted it to happen. We're sure that Twitter wouldn't necessarily block certain accounts like that, but the Communications and Information Ministry has denied requesting the suspension," FPI leader Rizieq Shihab said after a hearing with House of Representatives Commission III overseeing human rights, security and legal affairs on Tuesday.
Rizieq said the suspensions had annoyed the FPI's supporters and restricted the freedom of press and information.
"Don't be surprised if later there are netizens who get angry and feel insulted and then make certain moves on social media through hashtags. The suspension has jeopardized the public's access to information," Rizieq added.
(Read also: Twitter suspends several FPI accounts)
Netizens realized on Monday that the accounts had been suspended, with the message "The account you are trying to view has been suspended" appearing on each account.
Recently, the government has been aggressively “cleaning” up hoaxes and fake news, mainly on social media, blocking a number of websites and social media accounts that had allegedly spread hoaxes and provocative information.
Previously the ministry blocked the website habibrizieq.com, owned by Rizieq. (jun)
