Jakarta’s Christian ex-governor drops blasphemy appeal “for sake of the people”
World Watch Monitor Jakarta’s Christian ex-governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (also known as Ahok), has withdrawn his appeal against his two year prison sentence for blasphemy in a controversial case that has challenged religious pluralism in Indonesia, with repeated clashes between Ahok’s supporters and radical Islamic groups. It was for this reason, said Ahok, that he […]
Condemnation of Ahok blasphemy conviction and prison sentence grows
World Watch Monitor Tuesday’s verdict of an Indonesian court, sentencing Jakarta’s outgoing governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as ‘Ahok’, to two years in prison for blasphemy, has received widespread condemnation globally as politicians, academics and rights groups express their concern about religious pluralism in Indonesia. Ahok, a Chinese Christian, was charged with blasphemy after accusing […]
Ahok found guilty of blasphemy and sentenced to two years jail
World Watch Monitor (with DAVID ADAMS) In a verdict that surprised many, an Indonesian court has sentenced Jakarta’s outgoing governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as ‘Ahok’, to two years in prison for blasphemy. The sentence is higher than the prosecutors had asked for. The news was welcomed by Islamic hardliners who had gathered outside of the court, […]
Indonesia’s Christian governor Ahok fails in re-election bid, as ‘blasphemy’ trial continues
World Watch Monitor Preliminary results suggest that Jakarta’s Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (better known as “Ahok”), has failed in his re-election bid, as his trial for “blasphemy” goes on. Ahok is accused of insulting a Qur’anic verse during a campaign speech. Hard-line Islamist groups have rallied large crowds against him in recent months, yet he was […]