Investigating Allegations Of Blasphemy Panji Gumilang, Bareskrim Examines 4 Experts

Illustration-(Photo: DOK ANTARA)

The Criminal Investigation Unit of the National Police plans to examine four experts in investigating allegations of blasphemy involving the leaders of Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School, Panji Gumilang. They are Islamic religious experts to ITE. "Expert witnesses in the form of BAP interviews with witnesses who are Islamic religious experts, academics, linguists, and ITE experts," said Karo Penmas of the Public Relations Division of the National Police Brigadier General Ahmad Ramadhan to reporters, Tuesday, July 11. The examination of the experts is planned to be carried out on July 12 and 13, 2023. However, it was not specified which expert was first asked for his opinion. In fact, Ramadhan said that during the investigation into the alleged blasphemy case, dozens of witnesses had been examined last June. "There have been examinations of 19 witnesses from 2 reports made on June 23 and 27 regarding the alleged blasphemy and blasphemy cases committed by PG's brother," he said. On the other hand, it is also explained about Panji Gumilang who has not been named a suspect. It is said that the process is still waiting for the examination of evidence by the Forensic Laboratory Center (Puslabfor) Bareskrim. The evidence that is being examined by Puslabfor, one of which is the screenshot of Panji Gumilang's video content. The examination was to confirm that the statement regarding the alleged blasphemy was indeed pronounced by the head of the Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School. "Regarding the determination of the suspect, currently the National Police is still waiting for the results from the National Police Criminal Investigation Center based on the evidence that has been collected," said Ramadhan. The alleged blasphemy case involving the leadership of the Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School has been upgraded to an investigation. However, the status of Panji Gumilang is still being reported. Some time ago, Panji Gumilang had also been examined as the reported person. He is said to have acknowledged all his statements circulating in the form of videos. Meanwhile, from one of the videos circulating on social media, Panji Gumilang said that the Qur'an was a essay by the Prophet Muhammad. In fact, from the investigation process, another criminal element allegedly committed by Panji Gumilang was found. He is suspected of spreading information that causes hatred or hostility between individuals and groups.

This is stated in Article 45a paragraph (2) in conjunction with Article 28 paragraph (2) of Law Number 19 of 2016 concerning ITE and or Article 14 of Law Number 1 of 1946 concerning Criminal Law Regulations.