TEMPO.CO, Jakarta- Rallies protesting the appointment of Jakarta Deputy Governor Basuki 'Ahok' Tjahaja Purnama as Jakarta Governor has continued.
On Friday, the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), the Gerakan Pembela Umat Rasulullah, and the Laskar Pembela Islam staged a rally at the City Hall compound on Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan in Central Jakarta.
The protesters rejected Ahok, a Christian of Chinese descent, due to his religious affiliation and ethnic background.
"We may not have a non-Moslem leader," said FPI spokesperson Muchsin Alatas.
FPI also accused Ahok of discriminating Moslems by way of banning a number of activities that are closely associated with Islamic traditions such as tabligh akbar at the National Monument (Monas) and the slaughtering of Idul Adha livestock but instead allowing New Year celebration that is against Islam.
Other than FPI, the Forum Betawi Rempug (FBR) also voiced their rejection to Ahok, whom they consider to have no 'ethics' and often makes provocative statements.
As previously reported, more than 10 police officers were injured - two were rushed to hospital - while a number of cars were also damaged, after hundreds of protesters bearing FPI banners threw stones and rocks at the Jakarta Legislative Council. The demonstrators were then relocated to Jl. Medan Merdeka Selatan and started to throw rocks and animal feces at City Hall.
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