Coordinating Minister Yusril Ihza Mahendra stressed that the deportation of Abdul Karim Raeq Miqdad to Cyprus has no link to Indonesia's support for Palestine.
At a press conference in Jakarta on Wednesday, Yusril stated that Abdul Karim, a 41-year-old Palestinian, was arrested in Tangerang on July 16 after INTERPOL issued a Red Notice. He was deported to Cyprus on July 17 on suspicion of involvement in cross-border organized crime.
Yusril explained that Abdul Karim is neither an ulama nor a Gaza activist. He has lived in Indonesia for the past three years, is married with children, and works in business. The government has sought assurances from Cyprus that Abdul Karim will not be handed over to Israel.
Indonesia remains committed to supporting Palestinian independence since 1948. This case is purely an individual law enforcement matter and does not reflect the state's stance toward the Palestinian people.
