Yusril Confirms Abdul Karim Is Neither a Palestinian Cleric nor a Gaza Activist

Coordinating Minister for Law, Human Rights, Immigration, and Corrections Yusril Ihza Mahendra has confirmed that Interpol fugitive Abdul Karim Raeq Miqdad is neither a Palestinian cleric nor a humanitarian activist in Gaza. The statement was made in response to various conflicting reports claiming that Abdul Karim was a cleric and activist from Palestine. ‘There are opinions circulating that the Indonesian Government has arrested and deported a Palestinian cleric,’ Yusril said during a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday. Yusril stated that he had communicated with the Palestinian Ambassador to verify Abdul Karim’s status. Based on data examined from his passport and other documents, Abdul Karim is 41 years old and can be confirmed as neither a cleric nor an activist, but rather an ordinary individual involved in the business world. He noted that Abdul Karim is a Palestinian citizen who has resided in Indonesia for the last three years, is married, and has children. ‘However, the person concerned also frequently travels to other countries, yet there is no evidence that he is a humanitarian activist in the Gaza Strip, as opinions circulating among the public suggest,’ he said. If Abdul Karim were indeed a cleric, Yusril argued that the public would likely recognise him from delivering religious lectures or study sessions. Abdul Karim was arrested in the Tangerang area, Banten, Indonesia, on Thursday (16/7), following the issuance of a red notice by Interpol Cyprus, and was deported to Cyprus on Friday (17/7). Following the deportation, Yusril stated that Abdul Karim will be tried in a Cypriot court after being named a suspect in a criminal act of terrorism based on preliminary evidence that has been collected. He therefore assured that Abdul Karim will not be handed over by the Cypriot Government to the Israeli Government, contrary to recent circulating narratives. ‘After I met with the Cypriot Ambassador, the Indonesian Ministry of Foreign Affairs will also convey an official diplomatic note to the Cypriot Government to secure a guarantee that there will be no further deportation from Cyprus,’ Yusril revealed.