Related News
Jakarta chief fights blasphemy charges
Print Edition
JAKARTA’S Christian governor returned to court yesterday to fight allegations of insulting the Quran that could see him jailed under tough blasphemy laws in the world’s largest Muslim-majority country.
The high-profile case against Basuki Tjahaja Purnama — the first Christian to govern the capital in more than 50 years — has captivated Indonesia, and fanned concerns about hardliners pushing their agenda in the nation of 255 million.
Purnama, better known by his nickname Ahok, ignited a firestorm of criticism when he quoted a verse from the Islamic holy text in September.
The governor apologized but his remarks angered Muslims who marched against him in the largest rallies seen in Indonesia in years.
In a teary, nationally televised defence last week, Purnama denied ever intending to offend his Muslim countrymen and asked the judges to dismiss the case. Purnama’s lawyers deny the charges, claiming proceedings are being rushed and the judges subject to public pressure.
But prosecutors yesterday argued the charges were valid. They say the governor insulted Muslims by claiming his political opponents were using the Quran to sway voters against him.
“Based on our analysis and judicial description, the entire objection filed by the accused and his lawyers is not based (on) the law and have to be rejected,” prosecutor Ali Mukartono said.
Outside the court, hundreds of Islamists chanted “God is Great” and waved banners demanding he be jailed.
“We want the judges to arrest Ahok because he is already a suspect and the police and attorney-general are not bold enough to arrest him,” protestor Thirman Elon said.
Purnama has not been arrested and is not in custody. He remains a candidate for re-election in February and is still campaigning.
- About Us
- |
- Terms of Use
- |
-
RSS - |
- Privacy Policy
- |
- Contact Us
- |
- Shanghai Call Center: 962288
- |
- Tip-off hotline: 52920043
- 沪ICP证：沪ICP备05050403号-1
- |
- 互联网新闻信息服务许可证：31120180004
- |
- 网络视听许可证：0909346
- |
- 广播电视节目制作许可证：沪字第354号
- |
- 增值电信业务经营许可证：沪B2-20120012
Copyright © 1999- Shanghai Daily. All rights reserved.Preferably viewed with Internet Explorer 8 or newer browsers.
