Freedom to choose faith not universal

The website Indonesian Atheists, has around 700 members, some are part of the diaspora but most are residing in Indonesia. The group's founder Karl is based in Germany but asked us not to use his surname to protect relatives still in Indonesia.

Ahmadiyya Times | News Watch | AU Desk
Source/Credit: Radio Australia News
By Radio Australia | April 5, 2011

Easter is an important time for many Christians around the world to celebrate and engage with their faith.

But in some places, choosing your religion is not a freedom enjoyed by all.

In Indonesia it's illegal to be an atheist.

In January, a civil servant in West Sumatra, Alexander Aan, posted a message on a Facebook page reading: "God doesn't exist."

Soon after an angry mob beat him up and then police arrested him on blasphemy charges that could see him locked up for five years.

Muslim extremists have called for Alexander Aan to be beheaded.

The website Indonesian Atheists, has around 700 members, some are part of the diaspora but most are residing in Indonesia.

The group's founder Karl is based in Germany but asked us not to use his surname to protect relatives still in Indonesia.

He spoke with Radio Australia's Connect Asia program.



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