Ahmad Faiz Ibnu Sani, Jakarta – Indonesian National Police (Polri) Chief General Tito Karnavian strongly denies rumors that he ordered his men to execute the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab in terms of the call for people power.

According to Tito, the information that first spread via social media and internet blogs is a blatant hoax.

"There are hoaxes on behalf of my name. One example is the order to execute [Rizieq] despite him being the grandson of the Prophet. I have never ordered such thing," said Tito in the Polri headquarters today, May 2.

He maintains that the spread of such rumor is an attempt to pit him against Ulema.

An article with the headline that read "HRS (Rizieq) to mobilize people power, Polri: we will shoot dead attempts to ruin the country's unity even if it is the grandson of the Prophet." The highly questionable article mostly talked about the reconciliation attempts following the post-election tense situation.

As of the call for people power from Rizieq Shihab, Tito Karnavian said police will adhere to the law and act accordingly to procedures; persuasive and coercive based on national and international laws.

Source: https://en.tempo.co/read/1201298/police-chief-tito-denies-giving-orders-to-execute-rizieq-shihab