Rights Group Says Anti-Ahok Demonstration Is 'Trial by Mob'

Alin Almanar
November 22, 2016 | 7:57 pm
SHARE
Evidence of intolerance and radicalism in Bogor, West Java, shows that the city has transformed into a breeding ground for terrorism, new research from Jakarta-based human rights group Setara Institute shows, which connected the renowned Bogor Agricultural University with the activities of the recently banned Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia, or HTI, organization. (Antara Photo/M Agung Rajasa)
Evidence of intolerance and radicalism in Bogor, West Java, shows that the city has transformed into a breeding ground for terrorism, new research from Jakarta-based human rights group Setara Institute shows, which connected the renowned Bogor Agricultural University with the activities of the recently banned Hizbut Tahrir Indonesia, or HTI, organization. (Antara Photo/M Agung Rajasa)

Jakarta. A human rights group says next week's planned mass protest rally by hardline Muslim groups against inactive Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama is a "trial by mob" and therefore unlawful and undemocratic.

The Jakarta-based Setara Institute has urged police to take firm action to prevent the rally, expected to take place in Central Jakarta on Dec. 2, from proceeding.

Police have warned demonstrators against occupying the main roads over concerns that it may disturb the public order.

"A demonstration must take place in a way that does not break the law. Rolling out prayer rugs on Jakarta's main streets is a form of protest that constitutes a violation of the law," Setara Institute chairman Hendardi said in a statement on Tuesday (22/11).

Advertisement

"Police must prepare measures to enforce the law against vigilante groups that break the law, pose threats and promote hatred," he added.

Next week's planned rally follows a similar demonstration in the capital earlier this month, which descended into violence. Muslim groups are protesting against Ahok over recent public comments regarding a Koranic verse.

Police eventually gave in to pressure by declaring the governor, a Christian of Chinese ethnicity, as a suspect in a blasphemy investigation. But Muslim groups planning next week's demonstration are now demanding his arrest, a move the police have so far resisted.

"The legal process cannot be put under any pressure whatsoever to undermine the independence of law enforcers. A trial by mob is undemocratic," Hendardi said.

Tags: Keywords:
SHARE

The Latest


Lifestyle 2 hours ago

Guardians of the Forest: How the Dayak Wehea Protect Their Ancestral Land

The Dayak Wehea serve as the last guardians of the Wehea Protected Forest, preserving their ancestral land amid modern challenges.
News 4 hours ago

Prabowo Eyes $44 Billion Budget Cuts by 2025 to Fund Danantara, Free Meals Program

Prabowo announces Rp 750T budget savings plan to fund Danantara and free meal (MBG) program by 2025.
Lifestyle 5 hours ago

Green Day vs. Linkin Park: Back-to-Back Jakarta Shows, Which Side Are You On?

Green Day and Linkin Park take over Jakarta with back-to-back shows! Punk vs. nu-metal—who will you choose?
News 6 hours ago

Prabowo Responds to Criticism Over 'Bloated' Cabinet at Gerindra's 17th Anniversary

President Prabowo Subianto addressed criticism of his 109-member "Red and White Cabinet," which has been labeled as "bloated".
Special Updates 6 hours ago

Energia Prima Nusantara Launches New Strategy to Spur Growth

Energia Prima Nusantara recently launched its strategy document that laid out its plans to spur business growth.
COPYRIGHT © 2025 JAKARTA GLOBE. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED