Malang, E Java (ANTARA News) - President Joko Widodo (Jokowi) affirmed here on Saturday that persecution goes against the basic principle of state laws, so no one is allowed to engage in the act.

"It certainly runs counter to the basic principle of state laws, and so, no individual, group, or organization is allowed to do it," Jokowi noted after attending a Ramadhan 1438 Study event organized by the East Java chapter of the Islamic organization Mihammadiyah at the Muhammadiyah University in Lowokwaru, Malang, East Java.

It is even worse if it is done on the pretext of law enforcement, he pointed out.

"No, it may not and must not exist. We may become a barbaric state if such an act is allowed to occur," he emphasized.

President Jokowi said he had already ordered the police chief to adopt firm law enforcement measures against persecution practices that should not be allowed to continue.

"Any individual, group, or organization involved (in it) must immediately stop it. Stop it and refer all problems to law enforcers or the police," he added.(*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
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