Jokowi agrees to release Abu Bakar Baasyir: Yusril

Abu Bakar Baasyir has been serving two-third of his sentence.

REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, BOGOR -- The terrorist convict, Abu Bakar Baasyir, has been released from Gunung Sindur Penitentiary in Bogor Regency, West Java, on Friday (Jan 18). Lawyer Yusril Ihza Mahendra claimed the release of ustaz Baasyir was based on the instruction of President Joko Widodo with consideration of humanity, health and also the prisoner's age.

In addition, ustaz Baasyir had also served two-thirds of his 15-year sentence in prison since 2011 related to terrorism cases in Indonesia.

"He is released because of humanitarian reasons. He's quite old and sick. The president finally agree to give him pure freedom," Yusril explained at Gunung Sindur prison, Bogor Regency on Friday (Jan 18).

Previously, Yusril also stated that he had coordinated with a number of related institutions or ministries to release ustaz Baasyir. However, the administrative process of the cleric discharge will be carried out on Monday (Jan 21).

Ustaz Baasyir needed around 3 to 5 days to clear up his belongings in Gunung Sindur prison. According to Yusril, ustadz Baasyir should have been released in December last year, but at that time there was still no agreement.

Also read: Abu Bakar Ba'asyir family not to ask for clemency

Ustaz Baasyir had not meet some conditions, among other related to respect the Pancasila, Yusril added. However, he stated that ustaz Baasyir is loyal to Islam. Then, he explained that there was no conflict between Pancasila and Islam. Thus, he said, obeying Islam was the same as obeying the Pancasila.

"It has been explained to Mr. Jokowi and he understands ustaz's explanation, so there's no need for any conditions. President Jokowi's consideration in giving this release is solely a consideration of humanity, considering that he's already old," Yusril explained.

Ustaz Abu Bakar Baasyir was convicted with a 15-year prison sentence by the Panel of Judges at the South Jakarta District Court in 2011. He was considered to be proven legally and convincingly to move other people in using funds to commit acts of terrorism in Indonesia.

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