Friday, February 11, 2011

Police release religious leaders linked to Cikeusik attack

NATIONAL
Fri, 02/11/2011
9:22 AM
Police release religious leaders linked to Cikeusik attack
The Jakarta Post, Jakarta

Police say they have released three religious leaders detained for their alleged roles in the brutal mob attack on an Ahmadiyah congregation in Cikeusik, Banten, on Sunday, which saw three men beaten to death and several others seriously injured.

There was insufficient evidence linking the religious leaders to the attack to keep them detained, Banten Police chief Brig.Gen. Agus Kusnadi said Thursday night, as reported by metrotvnews.com.

“They were not released, but their detention has been suspended, and this was not because of pressure from the ulemas, but because there was not enough evidence to detain them,” Agus said.

Earlier on Thursday, hundreds of ulemas, kyais and santri (students of Muslim boarding schools) stormed the Pandeglang Police headquarters, demanding the release of the religious leaders.

Pandeglang Police chief, Adj.Sr.Com.Alex Fauzy Rasyad later agreed to meet representatives of the ulemas, led by Abuya Muktadi. The meeting started at 3:30 p.m. and continued until 7 p.m.

Agus Setiawan, a member of the Muslim Defenders Team who accompanied the ulemas, said the religious leaders released by police were KH Muhamad, KH Kosim and KH Munir.

“We appreciate police investigators for their understanding to release the religious leaders,” Agus said.

 
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