Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, the former governor of Jakarta popularly known as ‘Ahok’, has been released from prison in Indonesia.
His release on Thursday, which comes three months early, followed the prominent Christian being given a two year jail sentence in 2017 following his conviction on blasphemy charges in May, 2017.
The news was welcomed by activists including Benedict Rogers, East Asia team leader for UK-based religious freedom advocacy CSW. Rogers said that his conviction and imprisonment was a “serious injustice” and illustrated the “dangerous misuse of blasphemy laws”.
“In light of this we call again on Indonesia to review the blasphemy laws, and we urge all candidates in Indonesia’s forthcoming presidential election to protect and promote Indonesia’s tradition of religious pluralism and take steps to counter religious intolerance, extremism and identity politics.”
Reports have suggested Ahok may have plans to become a consultant to local governments or re-enter politics himself.
