The Briefing Room
General Category => World News => Topic started by: TomSea on May 09, 2017, 08:23:08 am
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Jakarta governor Ahok found guilty of blasphemy
The outgoing governor of Jakarta has been jailed for two years for blasphemy after judges handed down a sentence that was harsher than expected.
Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok, was accused of insulting Islam by referring to a verse in the Koran in a campaign speech last year.
Mr Purnama, a Christian in Muslim-majority Indonesia, has denied blasphemy and plans to appeal.
His case was seen as a test of the country's religious tolerance.
Mr Purnama was taken into custody immediately after the verdict was read out. His deputy Djarot Saiful Hidayat will govern Jakarta until the term ends in October.
Continued: http://www.bbc.com/news/world-asia-39853280