The case is being viewed in part as a test of religious tolerance in Indonesia, where a spike in attacks on minorities has eroded a reputation for diversity and inclusiveness.
Source/Credit: Daily Mail
By AFP | December 11, 2016
Jakarta's Christian governor will stand trial on Tuesday accused of blasphemy in a high-profile case that has emboldened hardline groups and stoked fears of growing intolerance in the world's largest Muslim-majority nation.
Basuki Tjahaja Purnama -- the first Christian to govern Jakarta in more than 50 years -- will defend allegations that he insulted the Koran and fight calls for his imprisonment under Indonesia's tough blasphemy laws.
Purnama, known for his outspoken style, outraged Muslims when he controversially quoted a passage from the Islamic holy text while campaigning in elections for the Jakarta governorship.
His remarks ignited a protest movement by hardliners, who have long railed against a non-Muslim in city hall but failed to dent the governor's popularity.
But their rallying cry to defend Islam and punish "the blasphemer" attracted unprecedented support from Muslims both moderate and conservative, who marched against the governor in numbers not seen in many years.
The case is being viewed in part as a test of religious tolerance in Indonesia, where a spike in attacks on minorities has eroded a reputation for diversity and inclusiveness.
"If he's found guilty, this could be the biggest setback for pluralism in Indonesia's history," said Tobias Basuki from the Jakarta-based Center for Strategic and International Studies.
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