by Benteng Reges

Poso Muslim religious leader is being investigated for allegedly hiding 29 fugitives and for turning people against the police.

Poso (AsiaNews) – Indonesian police wants to prosecute a Muslim religious leader blamed for inciting unrest and hiding fundamentalist fugitives accused of causing sectarian clashes in Poso (Central Sulawesi province), police spokesman Sisno Adiwinoto said today.

Adnan Arsal heads al-Amanah, an educational facility in the predominantly Muslim village of Gebang Rejo. He is related to Hasanuddin, the recently arrested mastermind in the decapitation of three Christian schoolgirls in Poso in october 2005.

Police said that Mr Arsal he is being investigated for provoking clashes between villagers and the police on October 2.

He is also charged with hiding 29 fundamentalist fugitives wanted in connection with the 1998-2001 sectarian unrest in Poso. Police is still tracking the men and believe they are still in the area.

In recent days several explosive devices have been found in and around Poso. Experts believe terrorists planted them to distract police and allow the 29 fugitives to get away. 

• indonesia
• central
• sulawesi
• poso
• sisno
• adiwinoto
• adnan
• arsal
• al-amanah
• unrest
• incitement
• hiding
• fugitives