Clerics preaching hatred arrest

Jakarta City Police chief Sofjan Jacoeb threatened on Friday to arrest Muslim clerics who preached hatred aimed at inciting people to use violence.

"I ask all ulemas not to give sermons that could inflame emotions because if they do that, we will impose article 160 of the Criminal Code on them," Sofjan told reporters after conducting Friday prayers at the National Monument square, right in front of the U.S. Embassy.

He said the offense carried a penalty of four years imprisonment as mandated by Article 160 of the Criminal Code Procedures.

Preachers at many mosques in the capital slammed on Friday the U.S. military strikes on Afghanistan. Some of them even described the strikes as attacks against Muslims.

However, there were apparently no arrests made against preachers on Friday.

Arrests against vocal preachers were often made during the repressive administration of former president Soeharto.

It is not clear, however, if Sofjan will enforce his threat, as it could simply worsen the situation.

Sofjan also warned anti-American protesters not to engage in vandalism. Otherwise, the police would take tough measures against them.

"Vandalizing facilities and burning flags and effigies will no longer be tolerated. The offenders are liable to strict measures," he told reporters -- JP