Aceh villager almost lynched for suit over use of loudspeaker by mosque

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JAKARTA: A septuagenarian was almost lynched by villagers when he refused to withdraw his summons against the authorities on the use of a loudspeaker by a mosque at his village in Aceh.

Sayed Hasan, 75, was also threatened with expulsion from the village for his reluctance to apologise for his action.

The incident occurred at the Desa Gampong Jawa community hall in the small district of Kuta Raja, Banda Acheh on Friday, when a meeting between Sayed Hasan and local leaders, including Kota Banda Aceh deputy mayor Illiza Sa’aduddin Djamal, was in progress, reported Antara news agency.

The police, army and local authority enforcement personnel were on hand to diffuse the situation.

“Nevertheless, during the meeting, Sayed Hasan had stated he would withdraw the summons at the Banda Aceh District Court. His admission is backed by a signed written statement. He has also apologised to the villagers,” said Illisa.

He said, the people of Gampong Jawa were angry with Sayed Hasan who sued the local authority on the use of loudspeaker by the Al-Muchsinin Mosque to air ceramahs, or the reading of the Quran for 30 minutes before the muezzin’s call for the Magrib and Subuh prayers.

“This is the first case in Aceh and, strangely, Sayed Hasan’s house is situated far from the Al-Muchsinin Mosque.”

The case was tried at the Banda Aceh District Court since Feb 11. — Bernama