Christian governor to face blasphemy trial in Indonesia next week
December 07, 2016
Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (popularly known as “Ahok”), the Christian governor of Jakarta, will go on trial for blasphemy on December 13.
The charge against Ahok stems from a campaign statement in which he quoted a passage from the Qu’ran, warning against acceptance of leadership by non-Muslims, and asked Islamic leaders not to use the passage against him. The invocation of the Qu’ran, and the suggestion that it might be ignored, enraged Islamic fundamentalists, and prompted massive public demonstrations against the governor.
Indonesian President Joko Widodo has supported the Christian governor. However, allies of his predecessor, former President Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono, have joined with militant Muslims in demanding punishment for Ahok.
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Further information:
- The governor of Jakarta on trial for blasphemy on 13 December (Fides)
- Indonesia: 200,000 Muslims demand arrest of Christian governor for blasphemy (CWN, 12/2)
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Posted by: [email protected] -
Dec. 14, 2016 9:11 PM ET USA
Islam again shows its irrationality. Mobs rule what they want. Just quoting a part of the Quran could be blasphemy. Give us a break and beware of what happens in Europe and maybe even here.
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Posted by: mclom -
Dec. 08, 2016 6:22 PM ET USA
Merely suggesting that a passage in the Qur'an can be ignored is reason for a baying mob to build up in the streets? Utterly irrational.
