NU backs police over FPI arrests

JAKARTA: Nahdlatul Ulama (NU) chairman Hasyim Muzadi said on Tuesday that he supported Jakarta Police for arresting members of the extremist Islam Defenders Front (FPI) for allegedly raiding several nightspots in Jakarta.

"The police made no mistake, as FPI activists have caused destruction that according to the Criminal Code is a violation of the law, not a fight against sin," he said on Tuesday.

Muzadi dismissed claims the arrests signaled a fight against Muslims wanting to uphold the truth and combat sin or, in Arabic, amar ma'ruf nahi munkar.

"Amar ma'ruf nahi munkar is not effective and proper under Islam. It is in itself sinful as the raids have hurt others," he told a press conference two days after returning home from a visit to Britain.

A number of FPI members have been detained for their alleged roles in vandalizing two nightspots.

Jakarta Police have also declared FPI leader Habib Muhammad Rizieq a suspect for violence and similar attacks in the past two years. He will be questioned on Thursday.

If charged with incitement, Rizieq could face a maximum penalty of six years in jail. --Antara