Islamic militant jailed for 7 months

The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

There was a brief struggle between police and protesters on Monday after the leader of a militant Muslim group was sentenced to seven months in prison for organizing attacks on nightspots in the city.

Members of the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) scuffled with police after the Central Jakarta District Court sentenced Habib Rizieq Shihab to seven months in prison for vandalism.

A bench and a table were destroyed before officers were able to push the protesters out of the courtroom. No arrests were made.

Rizieq was found guilty of organizing mob attacks on bars and restaurants in the capital. He was also guilty of "inciting violence and spreading hatred against the lawful government," presiding judge Heri Suwantoro said.

"His actions caused unrest among the people and disturbed public order," Heri said.

Rizieq will appeal the verdict.

He was later taken to Salemba Penitentiary in Central Jakarta where an hour later around 100 FPI members visited him.

The militant group has attacked a number of nightspots in Jakarta over the past several years.

The judge said Rizieq would be released in November, having already spent four months in custody.

Rizieq said his actions were motivated by Islamic teachings, and that venues that sold alcohol were places of sin.

The Islam Defenders Front disbanded in the aftermath of last year's Bali bombings, but claims to have recently reformed.

Rizieq was first detained on Oct. 16 of last year, but was later released. He was rearrested in February of this year after reportedly traveling to Iraq to look into the possibility of FPI members helping to defend Iraq from an attack by the U.S.

On July 8, Rizieq was rushed to the police hospital suffering symptoms of food poisoning after eating a meal at the jail.