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Police probe uploader of Ahok’s so-called blasphemy speech
Buni Yani, the uploader of video footage depicting what some claim to be blasphemous remarks made by Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, complied with the Jakarta Police’s summons to an interrogation over his involvement in the case.
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All ready -- Buni Yani (center in plaid shirt), the uploader of the video footage containing what some claim to be blasphemous remarks made by Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, prepares to be interrogated by the Jakarta Police on Nov. 23. (JP/Callistasia Anggun Wijaya)
Buni Yani, the uploader of video footage depicting what some claim to be blasphemous remarks made by Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, complied with the Jakarta Police’s summons to an interrogation over his involvement in the case.
Buni was accused of having edited video footage of Ahok to make it appear not as if the governor was criticizing people who were misusing a verse from the Quran, but was criticizing the Quran itself. After the video became available online, such as on Buni's Facebook page, it sparked widespread public anger.
Buni's lawyer Aldwin Rahadian said they had prepared evidence for the questioning.
“We have here several pieces of evidence that show that it was not Pak Buni Yani who first uploaded the footage. Another online media account had previously uploaded the video, in which its length is also 30 seconds," Aldwin said on Wednesday, referring to Media NKRI.
The lawyer further said they were ready to summon several experts to defend Buni in case the police decided to proceed with this case and name him a suspect.
Aldwin said he believed the police should not prosecute Buni, who he said had uploaded the video only as part of a public discussion.
In early October, members of the Community of Young Advocates for Ahok-Djarot (Kotak Adja) reported Buni to the police for his alleged provocative act against Ahok by editing the footage of the governor's speech in the Thousand Islands regency on Sept. 27 from one hour and 48 minutes to 31 seconds. They believed Buni did it intentionally to provoke adverse sentiments based on ethnic, religious, racial and social group-related grounds among the people.
On Oct. 10, in retaliation Buni reported Kotak Adja members Guntur Romli and Muannas Al Aidid to the police for alleged defamation. (ebf)
