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Coventina

(26,852 posts)
Tue May 9, 2017, 10:05 AM May 2017

Jakarta Governor Ahok Jailed for Blasphemy Over Viral Video

JAKARTA, Indonesia — The minority Christian governor of Jakarta was sentenced to two years in prison on Tuesday for blaspheming the Quran, a jarring ruling that undermines the reputation of the world's largest Muslim nation for practicing a moderate form of Islam.

In announcing its decision, the five-judge panel said Gov. Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama was "convincingly proven guilty of blasphemy" and ordered his arrest.

Photos quickly appeared online of Ahok, who still commands immense popularity in Jakarta being warmly greeted by prison staff. Ahok said he would appeal, but it was unclear if he would be released once that process is underway.

By early evening, hundreds of angry supporters had gathered at the high-security prison, some pushing hard against a tall metal gate and others setting a tire alight. "Brothers and sisters, justice has died in this country," said a man addressing the crowd with a megaphone.

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Blasphemy? Really, Indonesia? You have blasphemy laws on the books?
Try moving into the 19th century.....or even the 18th.....

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