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Police name 5 Islamic students suspects over violence at rally
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Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono (kompas.com/File)
J
akarta Police have named five members of the Islamic Students Association (HMI) as suspects over attacks against police officers during last Friday’s mass rally.
Violence erupted particularly after dusk, when the protesters were required to disperse in accordance with the permit issued for the demonstration.
“Of course, we already had initial evidence, which was enough to name the five suspects and make the arrests,” Jakarta Police spokesman Sr. Comr. Awi Setiyono said at Jakarta Police headquarters on Tuesday.
The five are Ismail Ibrahim, a HMI member, who was allegedly caught on camera attacking a police officer during the rally, HMI general secretary Amy Jaya Halim and three HMI members, identified only by their initials, RR, MRD and RM.
The suspects stand accused of violating Articles 214 and 212 of the Criminal Code, which could see them sentenced to seven years in prison.
Eighteen police officers were severely injured when the initially peaceful demonstration ended with brawls. Three police vehicles were set on fire, while another 21 vehicles were badly damaged by the protesters.
Awi said police were still conducting a digital forensic investigation to arrest violent demonstrators who had attacked police officers during the rally against non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.
Awi added police still had some homework to do to find the people who attacked police officers with bricks, bamboo sticks, arrows, marbles fired from slingshots and other objects. (bbn)
