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My family is ready if I am put in prison: Ahok
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People march along Jl. MH Thamrin during a rally in Jakarta on Friday. Around 100,000 people took to the streets on Friday demanding the prosecution of Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama for alleged blasphemy. They called on the police to immediately detain Ahok. (JP/Wendra Ajistyatama)
J
akarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama says he has spoken with his family about the possibility of being imprisoned over blasphemy allegations and that his family understands the risks associated with his position.
“I thank God that I have good family,” said Ahok in Jakarta on Saturday as reported by tempo.co.
Ahok was reported by a number of Islamic organizations for a speech in which he mentioned Surah al-Maidah, Verse 51 of the Quran while visiting the Thousand Islands regency in late September.
In his speech, Ahok said, “In your inner hearts, Bapak/Ibu may not vote for me, because [you have been] lied to by [using] Surah al-Maidah, Verse 51, etc. […] So, if you cannot vote for me because you are afraid of being condemned to hell you do not need to feel uneasy as you are being fooled. It is alright.”
More than 100,000 people took part in a demonstration in Jakarta on Friday demanding that police immediately arrest Ahok on allegations of blasphemy. The police said they had questioned 22 witnesses in relation to the case and would question Ahok on Nov. 7.
Ahok has offered an apology, stressing that he did not intend to insult Islam or the Quran. (bbn)
