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Six troublemakers arrested during Yogya pro-Ahok rally
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People rally in support of Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama in Jakarta on May 10. Indonesia has been urged to repeal its controversial Blasphemy Law after the sentencing of the Christian Jakarta governor, with critics pointing to a sharp increase in its use to target minority groups. (AFP/Bay Ismoyo)
T
he police arrested six people for attempting to disrupt a peaceful rally held by Yogyakartans in support of non-active Jakarta governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, who has been sent to prison for blasphemy.
Hundreds of people held a candlelight vigil at Yogyakarta's main square on Wednesday to demand the release of Ahok when a group of men reportedly tried to disrupt the rally and create unrest.
“The police fired warning shots in the air and then arrested six of the troublemakers,” Sr. Comr. Tommy Wibisono told reporters in Yogyakarta, adding that the 30-minute rally ended peacefully.
(Read also: Ahok supporters, detractors voice demands during rally)
On Tuesday, the North Jakarta District Court declared the outgoing Jakarta governor guilty of blasphemy for suggesting that people had abused a Quranic verse to block his re-election bid and sentenced him to two years in prison. (dan)
