Hamzah denies protecting terrorists

Hamzah denies protecting terrorists

MANADO, North Sulawesi: Vice President Hamzah Haz denied on Friday allegations that he protected terrorists, saying all he did was protect innocent people.

"If those people are suspected of breaking the law, then there is no other alternative but to take them to court and put them through the legal process.

"It's impossible for any government official in Indonesia to protect terrorists," he said.

Hamzah has been accused of protecting some religious leaders suspected of being involved in terrorist activities.

The Vice President emphasized that it was the nation's duty to crack down on terrorism if there were indications of terrorist networks in the country.

Hamzah said terrorist networks would disturb all aspects of Indonesia's national development. --Antara