Ironic Turn: Muslim Leader of Protests against Jakarta's Christian Governor Now Facing Blasphemy Charges Himself

Leah Marieann Klett : Jan 17, 2017
Gospel Herald

If convicted, the Muslim leader faces five years in prison.

(Indonesia)—[Gospel Herald] In an ironic turn of events, the leader of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI) who led the charge against the Christian governor of Jakarta for blasphemy is now facing the same charge after making an offensive comment regarding Jesus Christ. (Photo: Jakarta Globe/via Gospel Herald)

According to Asia News, on Christmas Day, Rizieq Shihab was videotaped as saying, "If God had a son, then who was the midwife?" while explaining why Muslims should not allow others to wish them a Merry Christmas.

When the Indonesian Catholic Students Association (PMKRI) saw footage of the speech, it decided to take him to court, accusing him and two others of blasphemy under section A of Article 156 of the Constitution. If convicted, the Muslim leader faces five years in prison.

PMKRI president Angelius Wake Kako said the religious feelings of Christians "have been hurt and humiliated" and said every Indonesian "should respect diversity and not interfere in the private affairs of other religions. Only Christians know the Christian faith. It is better for all those who do not have that knowledge to be silent."

The Jakarta Globe notes that several watchdog organizations and experts have called on the National Police to fast track their investigations against Rizieq, and Jakarta Police chief Insp. Gen Mochamad Iriawan has promised that the police will process the lawsuit.

In turn, the Islamic leader said the accusations of blasphemy are "misguided" and that the prosecution's matter is "not sufficient for a police report". Rizieq's organization has also vowed to report the people who filed the lawsuit against him for...

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