Accusations fly in Police, FPI case

Accusations fly in Police, FPI case

JAKARTA: Police denied on Wednesday allegations made by the
Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) who claim that the police did not
negotiate with the protesters prior to the strict measures taken
to disperse their demonstration in front of the House of
Representatives building on Oct. 15.

"Approaches and negotiation were attempted but the
demonstrators did not want to cooperate at that time," police
spokesman Sr. Comr. Anton Bachrul Alam said.

The officers also confirmed that FPI commander Al Habib
Muhammad Rizieq insisted upon entering the closed legislative
complex to stage a protest inside.

According to the officers, Rizieq also flatly rejected an
offer to stop the rally and resume their activities the following
day, reminding him that Oct. 15 was a National Holiday, in which
no demonstrations are allowed by law.

Rizieq has been named as a suspect in charges of provoking
communal hatred and inciting hatred against ethnic and religious
groups in the country.

Also speaking at a joint press conference were Secretary of
the Police On-Alert Unit Adj. Sr. Comr. Budi Yunarso, Chief of
the VIP Security Unit Comr. M. Chairul M.A., and Central Jakarta
Deputy Police Chief Adj. Sr. Comr. Iza Fadri.

"The officers sitting here with me are witnesses of the Oct.
15 demonstration. They were attempting to negotiate with FPI,"
Anton said.

Dozens of people were injured and a number of vehicles were
damaged when the police dispersed the demonstration. --JP