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Next mass rally unnecessary and would disrupt public activities: Police
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National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian briefs the media on Nov. 16 about the results of an investigation into blasphemy allegations made against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama. (Antara/M Agung Rajasa)
N
ational Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian is trying to discourage protesters from holding another mass rally against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama on Dec. 2, suggesting that it would be unnecessary and would disrupt public activities.
“We are working on Ahok’s legal proceedings and soon prosecutors will follow up on the case. Therefore, another rally will be unnecessary," Tito said.
"I am sure the public is against the rally as it will hamper their activities,” Tito added, citing that so far police investigators had questioned 69 witnesses in the case.
Tito said the allegations that Ahok had committed blasphemy was a legal matter and had nothing to do with SARA [ethnic, religious, racial and social group] issues.
“People can blaspheme against their own religions. It is by chance that this alleged blasphemy was charged against someone of a different belief,” he said.
Muslim conservatives, grouped under the National Movement to Save the Indonesian Ulema Council’s Edict (GNPF-MUI), have planned to hold a massive rally on Dec. 2, demanding the police detain Ahok because of his suspect status. The group previously planned to have the rally on Nov. 25. (adt/dmr)
