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Uploader of Ahok footage defends freedom of speech
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Under investigation – Buni Yani (center), the uploader of the video footage containing allegedly blasphemous remarks made by Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, appears at the National Police’s Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) for questioning on Nov. 10. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
B
uni Yani, the uploader of the video footage containing allegedly blasphemous remarks made by Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, hopes to not face punishment for uploading the governor’s speech as he did it just to open a discourse with his friends on Facebook.
“We don't want our right to freedom of speech silenced because it is guaranteed in Article 28 of our Constitution. It is not right that I should be criminalized because of opening a discussion on Facebook,” he said at the Jakarta Police office on Friday.
Buni's lawyer, Aldwin Rahadian, said his client uploaded the video to make it an object of discussion with his friends on Facebook considering that Ahok’s speech contained a sensitive religious matter.
“As a citizen, Buni has the right to express his opinion. Why should he stay silent to see a public official discuss a sensitive issue?" he said.
Aldwin deplored the people who had bullied Buni as a provocateur. This was what led his client to ask for protection from the Witness and Victim Protection Agency (LPSK), he went on.
Buni was at the Jakarta Police office on Friday to give more information on his defamation claims against two Ahok supporters, Guntur Romli and Muanas Alaidin.
On Oct. 10, Buni reported Muanas and Guntur, who had accused him of provoking people by uploading the edited version of Ahok's speech. (ebf)
