Munarman Dragged Without Sandals, PKS Secretary General: I Have No Comment, But Investigations Must Be Transparent

Munarman was taken to Polda Metro Jaya / Antara

JAKARTA - PKS Secretary-General Aboe Bakar Al Habsyi was reluctant to comment on the process of detaining Munarman by Densus 88, which was considered rude. Former FPI (Islamic Defenders Front) Munarman was arrested blindfolded and wearing no sandals.

"For that, I have no comment. But in this case, respect for every legal process is imperative for every citizen, because our country is a state of law. This is important", said Aboe Bakar Al Habsyi Thursday, April 29.

However, this PKS politician asked the Police to uphold the principle of presumption of innocence in investigating a criminal case of terrorism involving the former Secretary of the FPI, Munarman.

"All investigation processes are by the provisions and are not discriminatory, transparent, and accountable", said Aboe.

This member of Commission III of the House of Representatives supports all efforts to prevent and stop criminal acts of terrorism in a civilized and procedural manner. However, Aboe said, state agencies tasked with tackling terrorism should not overuse their powers.

"The state must not overdo it, which has the potential to violate human rights. So we leave it to law enforcement to resolve this case properly", said Aboe Bakar.

The National Police Headquarters previously emphasized that Munarman's treatment when he was taken to Polda Metro Jaya was by international standards.

"The international standard for arresting terrorists is like that. "Terror crimes are organized crimes with a very broad network", said Head of Public Relations Division of the National Police, Kombes Ahmad Ramadhan to reporters, Wednesday, April 28.

Even with the handcuffs that were used on Munarman. This standard is called by the National Police as the principle of equality before the law.

"In law, there is a principle of equality before the law. The question is that all terrorists are blindfolded. Why is Munarman so noisy? The same treatment for everyone for cases of terrorism", said Ramadhan.

"He (Munarman) is already a suspect. Before he was arrested he was a suspect”, he continued.

Munarman was arrested by Densus 88 on Tuesday, April 27 at around 15.30 WIB at Modern Hills Housing, Cinangka, Pamulang, South Tangerang.

Munarman is suspected of mobilizing other people to commit criminal acts of terrorism, conspiring to commit criminal acts of terrorism, and withholding information about criminal acts of terrorism.

After Munarman was arrested, the Densus 88 Team also searched the former FPI banned mass organization office in Petamburan, Central Jakarta.

During the search, the team found the explosive raw materials for TATP or triacetone triperoxide, acetone, and nitrates.