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Ahok supporters, detractors voice demands during rally
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Against blasphemy: Hundreds of members of Islamic organizations stage against the Jakarta governor. (JP/Michael Hillary Hegarty)
T
wo opposing groups gathered in front of the Agriculture Ministry in South Jakarta, where Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama was on trial for blasphemy on Tuesday.
The groups, anti-Ahok and Ahok supporters, voiced their demands under the watchful eyes of thousands of police and military personnel guarding the venue.
Dian Ayunda, a Jakartan who lives in Lenteng Agung, South Jakarta, said she joined the Ahok support group in the hope that the court would acquit Ahok. She further said she joined the rally as she wanted to express her support for Ahok's wife, Veronica Tan, during the difficult time.
"As a mother I can see how tough this case must be for Veronica and her children. I hope they can stay strong," she told The Jakarta Post. Ahok supporters also placed thousands of roses and flower boards outside the court in a show of support.
(Read also: Ahok guilty of blasphemy, sentenced to two years)
Meanwhile, followers of Islamic organizations had demanded that the judges hand down the maximum sentence to the governor.
A man identifying himself as Rahmat Karim delivered a speech from a truck, saying they had no intention of committing violence.
"This is a peaceful rally, but don’t blame us if the judges acquit Ahok and someone provokes this group. Please remember that," he said.
Rahmat also criticized President Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, whom he said had protected Ahok in the blasphemy case and had never supported Islamic groups during his leadership. (ebf)
