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Police question Jakarta governor as suspect in blasphemy case

Xinhua, November 22, 2016 Adjust font size:

Indonesian police conducted initial questioning process against Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama on Tuesday as suspect in blasphemy case over the latter's comments against verses in the Koran he made in September.

Basuki did not make any comments on questions from the media shortly after his arrival in police headquarters for the questioning.

Basuki was not detained after being named suspect, but police slapped a travel ban against him.

Under Indonesia's law, Basuki may get up to six years' imprisonment and fine of 1 billion rupiah (about 74,493 U.S. Dollars) should he be found guilty. Indonesian Police Headquarters Spokesperson Boy Rafly Amar said earlier that dossier over the case would be ready within one week of the suspect status slapped against Basuki.

The dossier would later on be conveyed to the prosecutor office before the trial is conducted.

Muslim hardliner groups are planning to deploy thousands of followers to hold more demonstrations to demand the detention of Basuki.

Police Chief General Tito Karnavian has issued a warning that police would ban the demonstrations under safety concerns.

Previous demonstrations demanding legal process against Basuki ended up in violence and vandalism that took one civilian life and injured dozens of others. Endit