Tag: Blasphemy

Jakarta’s Christian ex-governor drops blasphemy appeal ‘for sake of the people’

May 23, 2017 Indonesia Ahok, Blasphemy, Indonesia, Islamic extremism

Jakarta's Christian ex-governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as 'Ahok', with his wife Veronica and son Nicholas cast their votes in Jakarta on April 19, 2017. Ahok announced today not to appeal his two year prison sentence for blasphemy. Photo: Getty Images

Jakarta’s Christian ex-governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (also known as “Ahok”), has withdrawn his appeal against his two-year prison sentence for blasphemy in a controversial case that has challenged religious pluralism in Indonesia, with repeated clashes between Ahok’s supporters and radical Islamic groups. It was for this reason, said Ahok, that . . . Read More

Pakistan: Christian boy, 16, accused of Facebook blasphemy again refused bail

May 17, 2017 Pakistan Blasphemy, Islamic extremism, Lahore, Nabeel Masih, Nadeem Masih

A Pakistani Christian boy accused of blasphemy for “liking” and “sharing” a Facebook post which “defamed and disrespected” the Kaaba in Mecca – the building at the centre of Islam’s most sacred mosque – has again been refused bail. In February, 16-year-old Nabeel Masih was refused bail by a local . . . Read More

Pakistan medical superintendent ‘orders Christian staff to recite Quran’

May 15, 2017 Pakistan Blasphemy, Lahore, Quran

An investigation was launched into the misconduct of the Medical Superintendent. Staff, including medical staff, want to see him being removed.

The medical superintendent of a hospital in Pakistan has been accused of forcing its Christian staff to memorise Quranic verses. Article 20 of the Pakistan Constitution guarantees that no-one can be forced into any religious practice or belief against his/her own faith. Dr. Muhammad Sarfaraz was appointed Medical Superintendent of . . . Read More

Widespread condemnation for prison sentence of Ahok

May 10, 2017 Indonesia Ahok, Blasphemy, Southeast Asia

The sentencing of Jakarta's Christian Governor to prison on blasphemy charges, focuses the spotlight again on Indonesia's controversial Blasphemy Law.

Tuesday’s verdict of an Indonesian court, sentencing Jakarta’s outgoing governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as ‘Ahok’, to two years in prison for blasphemy, has received widespread condemnation globally as politicians, academics and rights groups express their concern about religious pluralism in Indonesia. Ahok, the capital’s first Christian and ethnic governor since the . . . Read More

Jakarta’s governor, Ahok, jailed for 2 years for blasphemy

May 9, 2017 Indonesia Ahok, Blasphemy, Jakarta, Joko Widodo

Jakarta's governor arrives in court for his verdict and sentence in his blasphemy trial. Photo: Getty Images

In a verdict that surprised many, an Indonesian court has sentenced Jakarta’s outgoing governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as ‘Ahok’, to two years in prison for blasphemy. The sentence is higher than the prosecutors had asked for. The news was welcomed by Islamic hardliners who had gathered outside of the . . . Read More

Indonesia: Ahok’s blasphemy charges reduced after failed re-election bid

April 21, 2017 Indonesia Ahok, Blasphemy, Islamic extremism, Jakarta

Jakarta’s governor, “Ahok”, who has been on trial for alleged blasphemy, heard that he can expect a lighter sentence the day after he loses a bid for re-election.

A day after failing in his bid for re-election as Jakarta’s governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, better known as “Ahok”, heard that he should at least avoid prison over alleged blasphemy charges. Prosecutors have downgraded the blasphemy charges against him and recommend that, if he is found guilty, Ahok will serve . . . Read More

Islamic leader calls for prompt execution of Asia Bibi

April 20, 2017 Pakistan Asia Bibi, Blasphemy, Sunni Tehreek

A Muslim cleric in Pakistan has renewed calls for the hanging of Asia Bibi, the Christian woman who has spent seven years on death row, having been convicted of committing blasphemy. Mufti Muhammad Haneef Qureshi said the State’s failure to punish Bibi’s alleged blasphemy caused the death last week of . . . Read More

Who speaks for Islam in Pakistan – and where does that leave non-Muslims?

April 19, 2017 Pakistan Asia Bibi, Barelvi, Blasphemy, Deobandi, Islamic extremism, Mumtaz Qadri, Pakistan Muslim League, Salmaan Taseer, Shia, Sufi, Sunni, Taliban

Last week, a Muslim student was killed by a mob after posting allegedly “blasphemous” content on social media. His murder was the latest in a long line of religiously motivated attacks in Pakistan, many of which were inspired by the country’s strict blasphemy laws. Below, World Watch Monitor takes a look at . . . Read More

Indonesia’s Christian governor Ahok fails in re-election bid, as ‘blasphemy’ trial continues

April 19, 2017 Indonesia Ahok, Blasphemy, Islamic extremism, Jakarta

Preliminary results suggest that Jakarta’s Christian governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (better known as “Ahok”), has failed in his re-election bid, as his trial for “blasphemy” goes on. Ahok is accused of insulting a Qur’anic verse during a campaign speech. Hard-line Islamist groups have rallied large crowds against him in recent . . . Read More

Jakarta’s Christian governor reveals repeated sectarian attacks at trial testing Indonesia’s pluralism

April 5, 2017 Indonesia Ahok, Blasphemy, Indonesia, Jakarta, Nahdlatul Ulama, Southeast Asia

The Indonesian Christian governor on trial for blasphemy said yesterday (4 April) that he has been the target of racist and religious attacks since he was elected to public office in 2005. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (better known as “Ahok”), the governor of Indonesia’s capital, Jakarta, also reiterated to the court . . . Read More

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