Under Islamist pressure, 9 churches closed in Indonesia

October 19, 2012

Authorities in Banda Aceh, a city of 175,000 on Sumatra, have shut down nine Protestant house churches and six Buddhist temples.

“Aceh is a special territory that enforces Sharia,” said Deputy Mayor Hajjah Illiza Sa'aduddin Djamal, who added that the churches had improper permits. Local sources told AsiaNews that civil authorities acted under Islamist pressure.

 

---

For all current news, visit our News home page.

---

 
Further information:

• Nine churches and six Buddhist temples shut down under Islamist pressure in Banda Aceh (AsiaNews)