Jozeph Paul Zhang, Who Claims The 26th Prophet Allegedly In Germany, Expert Witnesses Examined

JAKARTA - The National Police in coordination with Interpol are still tracking the whereabouts of Jozeph Paul Zhang, who claims to be the 26th prophet. A number of experts have been questioned regarding this blasphemy case.

Karo Penmas, Public Relations Division of the National Police, Brigadier General Rusdi Hartono, said that the National Police had coordinated with the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Directorate General of Immigration, Ministry of Law and Human Rights and Interpol.

"Because it should be suspected that the person concerned is abroad. So far, the police investigations concerned are in Germany, ”Rusdi told reporters, Monday, April 19

In addition, the National Police has examined experts regarding the video of Jozeph Paul Zhang, which is considered defamatory of religion. Experts questioned were linguists, sociologists of law and criminal experts.

"What is certain is that this expert witness testimony is very useful for investigators to ascertain the case that occurred," he continued.

Brigadier General Rusdi confirmed that the National Police would issue a wanted list for Jozeph Paul Zhang. The issuance of the DPO will form the basis for Interpol to issue red notices.

"The DPO will soon be issued by Nareskrim, the elements of the article which can be subject to first hate speech in the ITE Law and also religious blasphemy in the Criminal Code, will be subject to the ITE Law, especially Article 28 paragraph 2, then the Criminal Code on Blasphemy of Religion is article 156 letter a," said Brigadier General Rusdi.

"The most important thing is that the public should not be provoked by the circulation of this video. It is certain that the Police and other agencies are trying hard to resolve the cases that have occurred," he continued.

Regarding the exact location of Jozeph Paul Zhang who is suspected of being in Germany, the Police have also coordinated with the German Embassy in Jakarta and the German police attaché.

Through a discussion forum via Zoom, Jozeph Paul Zhang claimed to be the 26th prophet. This video is also shown on his personal YouTube channel.

The man opened a zoom discussion forum entitled "Fasting the Lalim Islam". Jozeph Paul Zhang also challenges anyone who dares to report himself to the police regarding blasphemy by claiming to be the 26th prophet.