Police question Jakarta Governor in blasphemy case

The Indonesian police on Tuesday questioned Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama as suspect in blasphemy case over his comments against verses in the Quran in September.

Basuki did not talk to the media shortly after his arrival at police headquarters for the questioning, Xinhua news agency reported.

Basuki was not detained after being named suspect, but the police slapped a travel ban on him.

Under Indonesia's law, Basuki may get up to six years' imprisonment and fine of one billion rupiah (about $74,493), should he be found guilty.

Indonesian Police Headquarters Spokesperson Boy Rafly Amar said earlier that dossier over the case would be ready within one week of the suspect status slapped against Basuki.

The dossier would later on be conveyed to the prosecutor office before the trial is conducted.

Muslim hardliner groups are planning to deploy thousands of followers to hold more demonstrations to demand the detention of Basuki.

Police Chief General Tito Karnavian has issued a warning that police would ban the demonstrations under safety concerns.

Previous demonstrations demanding legal process against Basuki ended up in violence and vandalism that took one civilian life and injured dozens of others.

--IANS

py/vt