Indonesia’s only Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (better known as “Ahok”), fought back tears during the first day of his blasphemy trial on Tuesday.
The governor of the Indonesian capital city, Jakarta, of Chinese descent, is alleged to have “misused” a Quranic verse (which, some say, suggests Muslims should not be ruled by non-Muslims) during a speech in early October.
Some Muslim leaders accused him of insulting Islam by quoting from the Quran. He apologised, but said his comments were directed at politicians “incorrectly” using the verse against him and not a criticism of the verse itself.
The trial is widely seen as a test of the world’s most populous Muslim-majority nation’s stance on religious freedom, since the country has a large Christian minority.
It was broadcast live on TV and Ahok continued to protest his innocence, telling the court: “I had no intention of insulting Muslims or insulting the clergy. On that basis, I plead with the judges to consider my exception plea.”
Hundreds of protestors – both in support of and against Ahok – gathered outside the courtroom, kept apart by a heavy police presence.
It is expected that the trial, which it is anticipated will conclude early next year, will hear from some 30 witnesses.
– with DAVID ADAMS