Moses Ompusunggu, Jakarta – The National Police have brushed off speculation that they bowed to pressure from conservative Muslims in deciding to charge Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama with blasphemy.

Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said he did not give specific instructions to investigators on how to conclude a recent case screening for Ahok, giving them "full authority" to probe the case to ensure the process remained "objective".

"The presence of external supervision from the Ombudsman and the National Police Commission [Kompolnas] was meant to ensure the screening was concluded in an objective manner," Tito told a press conference at the National Police headquarters in South Jakarta on Wednesday.

On Tuesday, investigators from the National Police's Criminal Investigation Department (Bareskrim) heard testimonies from dozens of witnesses and experts during a 10-hour closed-door case screening. The screening concluded that the police should proceed with the case.

Previously, thousands of conservative Muslims staged a massive rally in Jakarta accusing law enforcers and President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo of protecting Ahok, who was Jokowi's deputy when he served as Jakarta governor. Ahok is now seeking to extend his term in the upcoming gubernatorial election.

During a meeting with the country's top Muslim leaders, Jokowi promised he would not protect Ahok. (ary)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2016/11/16/we-didnt-bow-to-pressure-police-chief.html