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No merry Christmas for Ahok as blasphemy trial awaits
Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama has said he does not have any special plans for celebrating Christmas as he has been scheduled to face his third hearing on Dec. 27.
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Staying firm -- Incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama speaks to journalists at his campaign headquarters on Jl. Lembang, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Friday. (JP/Callistasia Anggun Wijaya)
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akarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama has said he does not have any special plans for celebrating Christmas as he has been scheduled to face his third hearing on Dec. 27.
“I will only go to church on Sunday. How can I go back to Belitung or go on holiday? I have been banned to go abroad,” said Ahok, referring to his hometown in Bangka Belitung, at his campaign headquarters on Jl. Lembang, Menteng, Central Jakarta, on Friday.
Ahok also said he accepts the Supreme Court’s (MA) decision to move his trial venue due to security reasons.
Starting with his third hearing scheduled for Dec. 27, Ahok’s trial has been moved from the North Jakarta District Court, which is now temporarily located at the former Central Jakarta District Court building on Jl. Gajah Mada No 17, Central Jakarta, to the main hall of the Agriculture Ministry on Jl. MT Haryono No. 3, Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta.
“I accept that decision. What else can I do as a suspect?” Ahok said.
Ahok, a Christian of Chinese descent in the predominantly Muslim country, sparked uproar among Muslim groups after he made a comment regarding verses in the Quran during a visit to Thousand Islands regency in late September.
On Nov. 4 and Dec. 2, thousands of protesters from several Islamic organizations flooded the streets to urge authorities to detain Ahok for blasphemy. (ebf)
