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