Islamic groups differ on Rizieq jailing

JAKARTA: Two different Islamic organizations visited the City Police headquarters Monday and expressed contrasting views on the arrest of al-Habib Rizieq Shihab, chairman of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) charged with vandalism and instigating violence.

Members of the Ittihadul Ikhwan Foundation supported the police.

"Police should arrest whoever breaks the law. We also urged the police to dissolve FPI because its actions do not reflect Islam's teaching," said foundation chairman, al-Habib Fuad Muhammad al-Habsy.

Meanwhile about 100 FPI members protested that Rizieq was detained without proper procedures, Antara reported.

"We are not pressing the City Police to release Rizieq but only show our support of him," FPI's secretary general, Ahmad Sobari Lubis said.-- JP