ASEAN
Indonesian police releases eight men deported from Singapore
BATAM – Riau Islands Police on Thursday (12 Jan) have released the eight men who were deported while trying to enter Singapore. They were discharged through Hang Nadim International Airport, Batam.
The police found that the eight had not participated in the ISIS network, however, the police said it will keep the eight men on watch because one of them kept photos of ISIS activities and shoe bomb on his mobile.

Riau police chief Inspector General Sam Budigusdian showing the homemade shoe bomb photo / photo: batampos.co.id
Riau police chief Inspector General Sam Budigusdian, answering reporters query, said, “Already, the eight ‘santris’ (Moslem student) have been sent home at 09.00 pm. They had nothing to do (with terrorism).”
Sam disclosed the results of the investigations undertaken by Detachment 88 and Mobile Brigade of Riau Islands Police. In the two days examination police did not found any suspicious behavior nor indications of terrorists relation.
“They had visited Malaysia purely for medical treatment and scientific study of education,” said Sam.
The photos of ISIS were found on the phone Ridce Elfi Hendra (REH, 37). The photos on the phone were obtained because REH had entered in a group influenced by ISIS. But he did not agree with the direction of the group’s deliberations, so he had opted out.
Sam also explained police would not release the eight students totally; coordinating with the West Sumatra Police, they are going to watch them.
The eight students have claimed in Malaysia that they were preachers from the Tablighi Jamaat global Sunni Muslim missionary group.

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