LBH Asks Police To Legally Process 9 Perpetrators Of Destruction Of Christian Prayer Houses In Padang

ILLUSTRATION OF DOK VOI

Padang Legal Aid Institute (LBH), West Sumatra (West Sumatra) asked the local police to take firm action against all perpetrators of destroying the house of the congregation of the Christian Church of Setia Indonesia (GKSI) Anugerah Padang on Sunday (27/7).

"We remind the police to immediately process the law against perpetrators of persecution and violence against religious groups," said Director of LBH Padang Diki Rafiqi as reported by ANTARA, Monday, July 28.

Diki said the actions of the perpetrators who damaged the prayer house and committed violence against the GKSI congregation were criminal violations that did not require reports from victims to be processed.

Because, in this situation, general offenses can be used to enforce the law such as Article 156, Article 175 of the Criminal Code and others.

"The rights of religious freedom must be protected by the state. The state must also not give space and take action against all forms of intolerance that threaten unity and diversity," he said.

LBH explicitly called for stakeholders not to comply with pressure from intolerant groups, and take firm action against any perpetrators of disbandment and attacks on worship activities.

"The practice of intolerance should not be allowed to continue to repeat itself. The state must be present, side with justice and take firm action against perpetrators of hate-based violence," he said.

In this case, LBH Padang also asked the Padang City Government to guarantee full protection of the right to worship all citizens without discrimination against religion or belief. Then, ask the Ministry of Religion and Komnas HAM to actively monitor and protect religious minority groups, and prevent the omission of acts of intolerance in the city of Padang.

"We also ask the public to maintain harmony between religious believers and not to be easily provoked," he invited.

Meanwhile, West Sumatra Deputy Police Chief Brigadier General Solihin said the police had arrested nine people related to the case of the destruction of the Padang Anugerah Christian house prayer which occurred on Sunday (27/7). That number could continue to grow if later evidence of the involvement of other perpetrators was found.

"Believe me, the police will follow up on this case and it should not be in West Sumatra to judge themselves," said Brigadier General Solihin.