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Despite Kivlan's suspect status in May 22 riots, government reluctant to grill him
Two retired Army generals who are also supporters of Prabowo Subianto have been named suspects in connection to postelection riots following the victory of President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo.
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Retired Army Strategic Reserves commander Maj. Gen. Kivlan Zein (center) leads a rally demanding that the Elections Supervisory Agency (Bawaslu) disqualify President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo from the presidential race. ( Antara/Aditya Pradana Putra)
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fter naming two retired Army generals suspects in relation to the May 22 riots, the government has expressed reservations about prosecuting them.
Defense Minister Ryamizard Ryacudu, who himself is also a retired general, said while everyone was equal before the law, the National Police had to maintain independence in their investigations.
“If the police were right, why should they feel uncomfortable [in investigating the case]?” he told reporters before attending a hearing with the House of Representatives on Wednesday.
“[Justice] must be upheld. Be it a minister, be it a president, [the investigation must continue], as long as it is carried out in accordance with the correct procedures.”
But he also reminded the police to consider “all the contributions” the generals had made to the country while pursuing their investigation.
April’s presidential election has divided the nation into two opposing camps--those who support incumbent President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo and challenger Prabowo Subianto. Division among supporters of the two candidates has also affected retired generals and officers, who were also divided among the camps.
Read also: Presidential candidates vie for support of retired military generals
