Hundreds of supporters of jailed Christian governor Ahok rally in Indonesia

The verdict shocked Muslim-majority, but traditionally tolerant Indonesia where Christians make up less than 9 percent of the population.

Update: 2017-05-17 06:41 GMT

Thousands of protesters gathered in front of a Jakarta prison in support of the former Christian governor imprisoned for two years for blasphemy against Islam.

Police officers stand guard as supporters of Jakarta Governor Basuki \"Ahok\" Tjahaja Purnama shout slogans during a rally outside Cipinang Prison. Ahok was the first ever ethnic Chinese Christian governor of Jakarta. He came under fire for allegedly insulting the Quran while campaigning for reelection in September.

Indonesia police spray water to disperse supporters during a protest outside the High Court in Jakarta. The blasphemy case was a decisive factor in Ahok's defeat to a Muslim candidate in last month's election for Jakarta governor.

The decision came as a shock since the country has a reputation for practicing a moderate form of Islam. Supporters of Jakarta Governor Basuki \"Ahok\" Tjahaja Purnama hold candles during a protest outside the High Court in Jakarta

A five-judge panel last week said Jakarta Governor Ahok was 'convincingly proven guilty of blasphemy' and ordered his arrest

About 300 supporters of Ahok gathered in front of Cipinang Prison in east Jakarta where the governor was taken after his sentencing

The verdict shocked Muslim-majority, but traditionally tolerant Indonesia where Christians make up less than 9 percent of the population.

Hundreds of supporters of jailed Christian governor Ahok rally in Indonesia

The verdict shocked Muslim-majority, but traditionally tolerant Indonesia where Christians make up less than 9 percent of the population.

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