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BNPT looks for links between preacher attacker, terrorist networks
Investigators from the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) and the National Police are looking into the possibility that the man who attacked Islamic preacher Syekh Ali Jaber in Lampung on Sunday is affiliated with a terror group.
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Police Insp. Gen. Boy Rafli Amar wears a mask during his inauguration as the head of the National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) on May 6. (Antara/Akbar Nugroho Gumay)
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he National Counterterrorism Agency (BNPT) and the National Police are currently investigating the possible involvement of a terror network in an attack against prominent Islamic preacher Syekh Ali Jaber.
The agency’s head, Boy Rafli Amar, said a team comprising personnel of both forces had been deployed to trace the attacker’s digital footprint.
“We are looking into the possibility [that the perpetrator is affiliated with a terror group],” Boy said during a meeting with House of Representatives Commission III overseeing legal affairs in Jakarta on Tuesday, as quoted by kompas.com.
Read also: Islamic preacher Syekh Ali Jaber attacked while giving sermon
Ali was attacked by a man, identified as 24-year-old AA, while giving a sermon at Falahudin Mosque in Bandar Lampung, Lampung, on Sunday. AA attacked the preacher with a knife, leaving a wound in his right shoulder.
The attacker was apprehended shortly after the incident.
Boy added that AA's family had claimed the man had been suffering from mental illness for the past five years. However, he refused to believe the statement before the investigation was finished and AA underwent a psychological examination.
Ali expressed hope authorities would investigate the case thoroughly as he believed the attacker was “trained”.
He was echoed by Religious Affairs Minister Fachrul Razi, who described the incident as a crime. (vny)
