Jakarta – Police have questioned Rizieq Shihab, a member of the Islamic Defenders Front, or FPI, as part of an investigation into blasphemy charges leveled against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama.

The police have held a hearing for Rizieq Shihab of the Islamic Defenders Front, or FPI, in an investigation over blasphemy allegedly committed by Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama.

National Police criminal investigation unit chief Comr. Gen. Ari Dono Sukmanto said Rizieq would be asked to explain why the governor should be charged with blasphemy.

"Rizieq, named a witness by his colleagues who filed a police report, will be asked to explain when and how the blasphemy occurred," Ari told reporters on Thursday (03/11).

Three groups have filed police reports last month against Basuki, whom they accuse of having committed blasphemy by referring to a Quranic verse during a speech early last month. The speech angered some Muslim clerics who then claimed the governor had defamed the Quran.

Ari said Basuki came to the criminal investigation unit last week to explain the matter and will be investigated on Monday. The police have not named any suspects.

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/police-question-fpis-rizieq-shihab-blasphemy-investigation/