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Police question Ahok on governor's request
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Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama (center) speaks to residents, after he inaugurated a child-friendly public space (RPTRA) in Tebet, South Jakarta, on Oct. 21. (Antara Photo/Hafidz Mubarak A)
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akarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama visited the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department’s (Bareskrim) headquarters in Gambir, Central Jakarta, on Monday as he wanted police investigators to question him in relation to religious defamation allegations against him.
Bareskrim’s general crime unit chief Brig. Gen Agus Andrianto said Ahok had initiated the questioning. “Ahok has requested a time to be questioned. It was he who wanted to make clarifications [in regard to the allegations]," Agus added.
Jakarta Police spokesperson Sr. Corm. Awi Setiyono said the questioning related to Ahok’s speech during his official visit to Thousands Island regency on Sept. 27, particularly about Surah al Maidah, Verse 51 of the Quran.
Several organizations reported the governor to the police as they believed he had insulted the holy book for Muslims. Ahok had offered an apology, stressing that he had no intension of insulting the Quran.
Meanwhile, Ahok left City Hall early after attending a meeting with the Jakarta Wages Council, saying that he was going to Bareskrim. “I cannot chair the meeting any longer as I have to go to Bareskrim,” said the governor when rushing to leave City Hall. (bbn)
