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Blasphemy suspect Lia detained, refuses lawyers
The Jakarta Post , Jakarta | Mon, 12/15/2008 4:03 PM | Jakarta
Cult leader Lia Aminuddin, a.k.a. Lia Eden, has refused legal representation, though the Jakarta Police have charged her with blasphemy, Lia's spokesperson said Monday.
Earlier Monday morning, Lia and 23 of her followers, including 10 minors, were taken to Jakarta Police headquarters.
"She said divine revelation had not permitted her to be accompanied by any lawyer," Lia spokesperson Saor Siagian told reporters at Jakarta Police headquarters, adding Lia would rely on divine support to defend herself.
Saor said Lia was charged because she had put out an edict that annulled every religion. "She broadcast her message to a thousand institutions, including to the head of the National Police and to the President," Saor said.
In her message Lia said god wanted every religion annulled. The message was also put on the Internet at www.le2-34-777.info.
Under the law, Lia may face up to five years in jail for blasphemy.
Lia had been sentenced to two years in jail after being convicted of blasphemy charges in 2006. She was then charged with distributing brochures, books and VCDs about her teachings, which prosecutors said were irreverent toward Islam.
Lia claims to be the Holy Spirit, God's messenger Gabriel and the reincarnation of the Virgin Mary. She leads a controversial cult called the Kingdom of Eden. (dre)
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Borsa — Fri, 12/19/2008 - 12:38pm
There is no blasphemy, because there is no god.
Achmad robbyliah (not verified) — Thu, 12/18/2008 - 3:08am
for david! keep on taking your pills. just dont give them away to the natives. I will be hunting you; if you do so. Still remember jakarta "on ice" the kamikazi version
David, Jakarta (not verified) — Tue, 12/16/2008 - 7:57am
Oh for goodness sake, this woman is insane, not a criminal. In any other country in the world people would suggest she goes into hospital for a little while or take some pills to help her feeling better.
Why all the legal furore?