After was admitted to a hospital in Bogor late yesterday evening due to exhaustion, the speculation about Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) leader Rizieq Shihab that has contracted COVID-19 has grown ever stronger.
As cited News24xx.com from The Jakarta Post, the Director of Ummi Bogor Hospital Andi Tatat said the Rizieq’s family has given permission from to carry out a swab test on the firebrand cleric.
Andi said, “The swab test is expected to be carried out today. And the family says they will follow the hospital’s and doctors’ advice.”
Previously, Rizieq refused the government’s request for a swab test after dozens who attended his mass rallies and events in recent weeks tested positive.
Instead, Rizieq said he took a swab test commissioned by FPI, which the group said came out negative.
The news that Depok mayor hopeful Muhammad Idris tested positive for COVID-19 on Wednesday stoked further suspicion that FPI may be covering up the truth about Rizieq’s health, especially considering that Rizieq and Muhammad were photographed embracing when the pair met in Jakarta on Nov. 13.
Rizieq has been absent from the public eye for the better part of the past week, with those close to him saying that he is in need of some rest.
