FPI leader denied entry to palace

JAKARTA: Security personnel denied Islam Defenders Front (FPI) leader Habib Rizieq entry to the presidential palace compound on Tuesday after he arrived to personally deliver a letter to State Secretary Bambang Kesowo.

Arriving with several of his followers, Rizieq, known for his radical teachings, insisted that he had to meet Kesowo, but the security officers told him not to go near the minister's office.

"This is outrageous, I just wanted to hand over a letter expressing concern to the government. Why is it impossible to see Kesowo?" Rizieq said outside the minister's office.

The security guards asked Rizieq to submit the letter and to leave the compound immediately.--JP