NU backs police over FPI arrests

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