FPI Denies Rizieq Coming To Polda Metro Jaya For Fear

General Secretary of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Munarman (Wardhany Tsa Tsia / VOI)

JAKARTA - General Secretary of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Munarman denied that FPI Grand Imam Rizieq Shihab surrendered himself for fear of being caught by the police. This rebuttal was conveyed in response to a police statement saying that Rizieq had come because he was afraid.

He said Rizieq had intended to fulfill the summons of Polda Metro Jaya to be examined as a witness from the start. However, at that time, the FPI leader was not present because he was recovering from fatigue.

"It's not a matter of being afraid or not being afraid. He (Rizieq Shihab, red) wanted to attend from the beginning but he is indeed recovering," Munarman told reporters at Polda Metro Jaya, Saturday, December 12.

He added that Rizieq gave himself up this morning to show his obedience as a citizen.

"He came earlier as a knight character from him and he showed that he was a law-abiding citizen," he said.

Regarding the examination which was still being carried out until 22.30 WIB, Munarman admitted that the investigator's question had not yet touched on the substance of the case of violating the health protocol.

The questions raised by investigators, he continued, were related to FPI.

"Until approximately 21.00 tonight, Habib Rizieq still questions about FPI. Not yet, once again, we have not entered into the substance of the alleged material," he said.

Previously, Head of Public Relations of Polda Metro Jaya Police Commissioner Yusri Yunus mentioned the reason for the leader of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) Rizieq Shihab to surrender himself because he was afraid of being arrested.

"So Rizieq was afraid of being arrested so he gave up and came to Polda Metro Jaya," said Yusri when confirmed by reporters after Rizieq arrived at Polda Metro Jaya.

It is known that Rizieq arrived around 10:20 WIB at the General Criminal Directorate Building of the Jakarta Metropolitan Police using a silver Mitsubishi Pajero. He appeared to be accompanied by a number of people, including the General Secretary of FPI Munarman.

Before entering, he had mentioned that he was in good health and ready to take part in the examination according to the laws and regulations. Meanwhile, when asked about his detention and his attitude towards the article which became the basis for his determination as a suspect, Rizieq was reluctant to answer further.

"We don't know yet. What is important is that I have an investigation regarding the crowd," he said.

In this case, Polda Metro Jaya has named Habib Rizieq a suspect in the alleged violation of the health protocol. In addition, there were five other people who were also named suspects in the alleged violation of protocol at Habib Rizieq's celebration.

He was charged under Articles 160 and 216 of the Criminal Code. Article 160 of the Criminal Code concerning Incitement to Violence and Not Complying with the provisions of the law, with the threat of six years imprisonment or a fine of IDR 4,500.

Meanwhile, Article 216 paragraph 1 of the Criminal Code concerning Obstacles to Legal Provisions. The threat is imprisonment for four months and two weeks or a fine of Rp. 9,000.