A junior prosecutor for general crimes in the Attorney General's Office, Noor Rachmad, said that the Cipinang prison had “entrusted” Ahok to the police’s Mobile Brigade Command detention center (Mako Brimob) in Depok, West Java, to serve out his term.

“His [Ahok's] status is now as a convict under the authority of the Cipinang prison. The prison has entrusted Ahok to Mako Brimob,” Noor said as quoted by kompas.com on Wednesday.

Noor said that the prosecutors were ready to transfer Ahok to Cipinang prison on Wednesday at 4 p.m. However, the warden of Cipinang prison delivered a letter to the prosecutors apparently indicating he could not ensure the former governor's safety or peace in the prison, although Noor would not reveal the details.

Noor only shared the prison warden’s concern that the transfer of Ahok would cause a disturbance in the prison because of the reactions of Ahok’s supporters and of the people who oppose him.

Noor made assurances that Ahok's rights as a convict would be protected.

Ahok was detained at the Cipinang detention center immediately after the North Jakarta District Court declared him guilty of blasphemy on May 9.

The detention triggered protests by hundreds of Ahok’s supporters who flocked to the detention center to demand his release.

Ahok was detained at Cipinang for hours before being transferred to Mako Brimob because of security and public order concerns. (cal)

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