Indonesia Governor—a Christian—Asks for Prayer for a 'Fair Trial' in So-called Blasphemy Case

Suzette Gutierrez-Cachila : Dec 5, 2016
Gospel Herald

"I ask you to pray for me so that the legal process is fair and transparent, and I hope I can get past this trouble as soon as possible. Therefore, I can use my time to provide better services to Jakarta residents." -Gov. Basuki Tjahaja Purnama

(Jakarta, Indonesia)—[Gospel Herald] Jakarta's Christian governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, popularly known as Ahok, was emotional and spoke softly as he asked people to pray for him while he goes on trial for blasphemy. (Photo credit: Reuters/Darren Whiteside)

The naturally outspoken governor asked for prayers so that he will have a fair trial and that the issue will be resolved soon. He said he has surrendered the trial's outcome to God, who decides the fate of everyone.

Ahok confessed the case has taken much of his attention, and he wants it to be over so he can focus on more pressing matters.

"I ask you to pray for me so that the legal process is fair and transparent, and I hope I can get past this trouble as soon as possible," he said, according to The Jakarta Post. "Therefore, I can use my time to provide better services to Jakarta residents."

The police named Ahok as a suspect in a blasphemy case on Nov. 16. Ahok responded to the National Police summons on Thursday, which officially turned the case over to the Attorney General's Office.

He is being charged under Article 156 Section A of the Criminal Code. If found guilty of blasphemy, he could be incarcerated for a maximum of...

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