Lampung FPI chairman arrested

BANDAR LAMPUNG, Lampung: Islam Defense Front (FPI) Lampung chapter chairman Habib Hasan Al Jufri, 45, a suspect in the bombing of Bethany Church in Telukbetung, Bandar Lampung on June 21, 2002, was arrested in East Jakarta on Saturday.

Greater Bandar Lampung Police chief Sr. Commr. Bung Djono confirmed the arrest on Sunday.

"We are just carrying out our police duties as stipulated in existing laws that all are equal before the law," Bung Djono was quoted by Antara as saying.

Greater Bandar Lampung police detective chief Adjutant Commissioner Hilman SIK said FPI operative Roman, who is currently on trial in Bandar Lampung, told police that he was promised Rp 50,000 and employment by Habib Hasan Al Jufri if he bombed the church.

No casualties were reported in the bombing, which caused minor damage to the church.

Habib Hassan denied the allegations, saying the claims were part of a character assassination against him.

"It is impossible for me to destroy a church. For God's sake, I did not do it," he said. --Antara