Jakarta – Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) fireband cleric Rizieq Shihab has been questioned in Saudi Arabia regarding his alleged role in an on-going pornography case, said National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian.

Rizieq has been in the Middle Eastern kingdom since late April for what he claimed was an umrah (minor haj) trip.

He has refused to return to Indonesia, despite having been summoned twice by the police for questioning in a pornography case allegedly involving himself and Firza Husein, a pornography and treason suspect.

"As he is now conducting religious activities, instead of waiting for him, the police went there to question him," Tito said on Friday as quoted by kompas.com.

Investigators are currently evaluating the results of the interview, Tito said, adding that when Rizieq returns to Indonesia, he may be questioned again if necessary.

Meanwhile, Rizieq's lawyer, Sugito Atmo Pawiro, confirmed his client had been questioned by five investigators from the National and Jakarta Police on July 27. Sugito previously said that Rizieq would return to Indonesia for Independence Day on Aug. 17.

The police named Rizieq and Firza suspects on May 29 and May 16 respectively. They are accused of violating Indonesia's pornography law after a sexually explicit WhatsApp conversation allegedly exchanged between them was leaked online earlier this year. (cal)

Source: http://www.thejakartapost.com/news/2017/08/18/police-question-rizieq-in-saudi-arabia-tito.html