"Mass organizations that persecute civilians should be punished. The police must stand firm," Kalla said.
Jakarta (ANTARA News) - Vice President Jusuf Kalla has urged the Indonesian National Police (Polri) to stand firm against perpetrators who persecute civilians in the country.

"Mass organizations that persecute civilians should be punished. The police must stand firm," Kalla said here on Tuesday.

The statement was delivered to respond to report of Southeast Asia Freedom of Expression Network (SAFEnet).

Kalla stated that the number of acts of persecution has decreased.

"I think the number is much lower compared to previous years. We have ordered police to prevent them," he remarked.

SAFEnet earlier warned the government of a persecution act called Ahok Effect.

SAFEnet regional coordinator Damar Juniarto stated that this persecution act had spread across Indonesia.

Damar explained that this persecution act emerged after Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok went to trial regarding the case of blasphemy. Following that, numerous reports were filed under Article 28 paragraph 2 of ITE Law.

The persecution involved several steps. The first step is to track down those who insult a religion or a religious figure on Facebook accounts. Furthermore, the mass is gathered to look for the target and the target is reported under Article 28 paragraph 2 of ITE Law or Article 156a of the Criminal Code.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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