REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- Professor of constitutional law Yusril Ihza Mahendra asked public, especially Muslims, to be patient and the give police a chance to investigate Basuki Tjahaja Purnama's case of alleged religious blasphemy. He remarked the legal proceeding is a long and winding road. "Just as democracy, it takes a lot of patience and maturity of all parties to settle many problems," he said.

Yusril who is ex-minister of Justice believed Muslims mostly want a democratic ways and prefer law enforcement in dealing with alleged case of blasphemy. Furthermore, he stated if Ahok's case was seen as a case of law, then the mechanism to process it is already exist. "Of course, the mechanism could only runs well if all parties are supporting a fair and civilized law enforcement, not showing forces to manipulate nor impose their will," Yusril said on a statement received by Republika.co.id on Wednesday.

Also read: Police name Ahok as suspect in religious blasphemy case

According to Yusril, if the case was brought to the court, then the court will decide whether Ahok is guilty or not. During the process, public must emphasize presumption of innocence principle. "But, if the people choose to go with revolutionary way beyond the law and constitution, they might get what they want. Nevertheless, it has been written in history, in the end law and democracy is set aside. The dictatorship will be ruling," he remarked.

Earlier, National Police Criminal Investigation department (Bareskrim) have named Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) as suspect in religious blasphemy case. The decision come up as result of open case screening on Tuesday. "For the sake of investigation, the suspect is also barred from leaving the country," Chief of Bareskrim Commissioner General Ari Dono Sukamto said at the Main Meeting Room National Police headquarter on Wednesday.

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