Jepara riot under investigation

Jepara riot under investigation

PURWOKERTO, Central Java: Central Java deputy police chief
Brig. Gen. Anshadi Mbai said here yesterday that an investigation
was being conducted to find the mastermind behind the unrest
which hit Jepara on Tuesday.

Speaking to reporters here yesterday, Anshadi said dozens of
buildings were damaged and three cars were set alight when a
crowd of about 4,000 ran amok.

He said there was no looting during the unrest.

According to Anshadi, the riot was believed to have been
sparked by a clash between supporters of local religious leader
Afifuddin Mustari and those who oppose him.

He noted that on Monday, hundreds of resident marched to the
local council building to demand that Afifuddin be banned from
making religious lectures because he allegedly often used foul
language.

Then on Tuesday afternoon, a countermarch was held by
supporters of Afifuddin. The latter march resulted in a riot
across the usually peaceful town.

Anshadi said so far no one had been detained by police. (45)