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Lia Eden arrested for 'religious blasphemy'
Cult leader Lia Aminuddin, popularly known as Lia Eden, and dozens of her followers were arrested again Monday by police on charges of religious blasphemy
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ult leader Lia Aminuddin, popularly known as Lia Eden, and dozens of her followers were arrested again Monday by police on charges of religious blasphemy.
Saor Siagian, spokesman for Lia Aminuddin, said Lia and 23 of her followers were taken to Jakarta Police headquarters from her home in Central Jakarta.
Saor said his leader refused legal representation because she would be relying on divine support to defend herself.
Lia was charged with releasing an edict that claimed the major established religions no longer existed.
"She broadcast her message to thousands of institutions, including to the head of the National Police and to the President," Saor said.
In her message Lia said god had called on every religion to be annulled. The message was also posted on the Internet at www.le2-34-777.info.
Under laws on blasphemy, Lia could face up to five years in jail.
Lia was jailed for two years in 2006 after being convicted of distributing brochures, books and VCDs about her teachings.
Lia claims to be the Holy Spirit, God's messenger Gabriel and the reincarnation of the Virgin Mary. She heads a controversial cult called the Kingdom of Eden. --JP
