Safrin La Batu, Jakarta – Moving the venue of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama's blasphemy trial to a safer location is necessary both to maintain the independence of judges and to avoid a trial by the mob, a human rights organization has said.
Setara Institute chairman Hendardi said on Friday that the Criminal Law Procedures Code (KUHAP) allowed the moving of the trial to a new location from its initial venue if threats to security were anticipated.
"The moving of a trial venue is necessary not only to maintain the independence of the judges but also to ensure the security of the trial," he said in a statement. "The possibility of a trial by the mob has presented itself ever since this case was reported to the National Police," he went on.
Ahok's alleged blasphemy has triggered a nationwide uproar, with thousands of people staging a massive rally on Dec. 2 to demand the immediate arrest of the governor.
With growing rumors about another massive rally during the non-active governor's trial, which is scheduled to begin on Dec. 13, National Police chief Gen. Tito Karnavian said on Tuesday that the police were looking for a safer venue for the trial. Among alternative locations they suggested was Cibubur, an area in the outskirts of Jakarta.
On Friday, the Jakarta Police confirmed that the authorities had eventually decided to hold the first hearing of Ahok's trial at the North Jakarta District Court, which is temporarily located at the former Central Jakarta District Court building on Jl. Gajah Mada No. 17, Central Jakarta, next Tuesday.
However, they will later discuss whether they will hold the following hearings at the same court after observing the situation during the first hearing. (ebf)