West Java Regional Police Haven't Provided Bahar Smith's Detention Suspension

West Java Police Head of Public Relations Kombes Ibrahim Tompo/PHOTO VIA ANTARA

BANDUNG - The West Java Police have not given a suspension of detention for Bahar Smith (BS) who is a suspect in the case of spreading false news or hoaxes.

The Head of Public Relations of the West Java Police, Kombes Ibrahim Tompo, said that Bahar Smith could not be suspended because of the need for an investigation process.

"There has been no progress related to the investigation of BS's brother, while investigators have not fulfilled the suspension," said Ibrahim in Bandung, West Java, quoted by Antara, Monday, January 24.

According to him, Bahar is still needed to provide his statement in order to complete the case file that ensnares him regarding the alleged hoax. According to him, the case file will soon be completed so that it can be transferred to the prosecutor's office.

"The presence of BS's brother is still needed to complete the case file," said Ibrahim.

Previously, the West Java Regional Police named Bahar Smith as a suspect in the case of spreading false news or hoaxes on Monday, January 3. However, the police have not stated the content of the hoax material conveyed by Bahar.

Bahar is also suspected of conveying the hate speech while giving a lecture in the Margaasih area, Bandung Regency, West Java.

The day after being named a suspect, on Tuesday (4/1), Bahar Smith's legal team sent a letter of suspension of detention to the West Java Police.

"We immediately made a letter of suspension of detention accompanied by a letter of guarantee to the West Java Police investigators," said Bahar Smith's attorney, Ichwan Tuankotta.

In the hoax case, Bahar Smith was charged with Article 14 paragraphs 1 and 2 of Law Number 1 of 1946 regarding criminal law regulations in conjunction with Article 55 of the Criminal Code and or Article 15 of Law Number 1 of 1946 regarding criminal law regulations in conjunction with Article 55 of the Criminal Code and or Article 28 paragraph 2 juncto 45 a UU ITE juncto Article 55 of the Criminal Code.