Jakarta – The Alliance of Civilian Community for the Constitution, or AMSIK, watchdog group has hit out at the legal proceedings against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, saying the governor is a victim of criminalization.

An official statement released on Thursday (22/12) said the two trial sessions have violated Basuki's human rights as well as demonstrated a lack of due process with the legal proceedings based on satisfying public pressure rather than strong evidence.

AMSIK added prosecution is based on an edict issued by the Indonesia Ulema Council (MUI), despite such edicts not being legally binding.

"Since MUI never clarified with Basuki Tjahaja Purnama before stating their opinion and assessments, there has been a 'trial in absentia' and 'trial by mob,'" AMSIK said in the statement.

The organization said state prosecutors have presented an illogical and unprofessional legal argument which has damaged the legal system. "It is a bad precedent over the law enforcement for future cases that have political elements."

Source: http://jakartaglobe.id/news/ahok-victim-criminalization-says-community-watchdog/