Hundreds of supporters of jailed Christian governor Ahok rally in Indonesia
17 May 2017 12:11 PM IST17 May 2017 12:11 PM IST
The verdict shocked Muslim-majority, but traditionally tolerant Indonesia where Christians make up less than 9 percent of the population.
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
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.
The verdict shocked Muslim-majority, but traditionally tolerant Indonesia where Christians make up less than 9 percent of the population.
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