REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA -- National Police held a meeting to discuss security measures related to the return of Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Habib Rizieq Shihab on next February 21. Deputy chief Syafruddin led the video conference meeting at 09:00 am at National Police headquarters. 

In the circulated telegram dated February 19, National Police chief Tito Karnavian ordered all the top officials and regional heads to attend the meeting to discuss the readiness of security in order to anticipate the return of HRS (Habib Rizieq Shihab) to Indonesia.

However, National Police spokesman Setyo Wasisto refused to comment in detail related to the meeting. He only said there was a meeting at Main Meeting Room of the National Police.

Habib Rizieq was said to return from the Holy Land on February 21, the date which represent the symbol 212 rally. Nevertheless, Habib Rizieq has made a statement to the homecoming plan. "It has not been decided yet. I'm still asking Allah's guidance in this matter," he explained in a video statement received by Republika.co.id on Sunday (Feb 18). 

Lawyer, Kapitra Ampera said the video statement was made on Saturday (Feb 17) night at Saudi Arabia. Ahead of his client's return, he has proposed to the police to drop the case of sexually explisit WhatsApp chats allegedly exchanged between Habib Rizieq and Firza Husein. "The case is formally defect," he said.

According to him, the chat was fake. The police should first arrest the party who spread the fake chat instead of hunting Habib Rizieq as victim of slander. "(If the chat really happened) then the source should be revealed. Who did the tapping? It could not be anonymous," he reiterated.

Kapitra said the case should be dropped before his client's return.

Habib Rizieq flew to Saudi Arabia shortly after being named suspect in the alleged steamy chat case. He stayed there since May 2017.

Earlier, another Habib Rizieq's lawyer, Eggi Sudjana said the fraternity of Alumni 212 is ready to welcome the return of the central figure of 212 rally from Saudi Arabia. The group has warned possible riot if Habib Rizieq arrested by the police.

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