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Nightlife chain Holywings apologises for 'blasphemous' marketing campaign, 6 arrested

Nightlife chain Holywings apologises for 'blasphemous' marketing campaign, 6 arrested

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Indonesian nightlife chain Holywings has apologised for running an alcohol promotion for men named Muhammad and women named Maria every Thursday as long as they presented an ID. According to The Jakarta Post, six individuals were arrested on Sunday on charges of blasphemy. In an Instagram post three days ago, Holywings said the promotion was published without the knowledge of its management.

"It was not our intention to associate religious elements with our promotion. Therefore, we apologise profusely to all Indonesian people. Please accept our apology and allow us to fix this and be even better in the future," the bar said. The social media post concerning the promotion has since been deleted.

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According to The Jakarta Post, the six suspects included Holywings' creative director and the head of its promotional team. All of them were presented during a televised press conference and had their faces covered while dressed in an orange shirt. Quoting South Jakarta police chief Sr. Comr. Budhi Herdi Susianto, The Jakarta Post said the suspects created the content to draw customers to their outlets, especially the outlets which were hitting less than 60% of their sales targets.

The group has since been charged with several offences, including blasphemy and spreading religious hatred, The Jakarta Post said. If found guilty, they could face up to 10 years in prison. Ever since news of the arrest made headlines, Holywings released another statement, asking for prayers and support from the Indonesian people so that the issue can be immediately resolved as the company needs to sustain more than 3,000 employees and their families.

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"Currently, six people responsible for the promotion have been detained and are undergoing legal processes. They are being handled by the police and the authorities. We will continue to monitor the development of this case and take firm action," the post said. The brand also thanked people for their support. While media outlets previously reported that netizens were enraged by the promotion, comments on Holywings' latest Instagram post showed that many have shown support for the brand and urged Holywings to remain strong.

 

 

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