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AGO prepares interfaith prosecuting team for Ahok’s trial
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Muslims participate in a Friday prayer during a protest against non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, who is being prosecuted on allegations of blasphemy, at the National Monument in Jakarta on Dec. 2. (AP/Achmad Ibrahim)
T
he Attorney General's Office (AGO) said Tuesday it had prepared a team of 13 state prosecutors from different backgrounds of faith to prepare for the indictment in the blasphemy case implicating non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama.
AGO junior prosecutor for general crimes Noor Rachmad said the team would include Christian prosecutors in an effort to avoid biased judgments during the trial slated to take place on Dec. 13.
“Three of the prosecutors are Christians,” Noor told reporters on the sidelines of a hearing at the House of Representatives' Commission III overseeing law and human rights affairs.
He added that the prosecutors would be in charge of various assignments, from preparing for administrative works to handling technicalities regarding the trial.
Ahok was charged for allegedly violating articles 156 and 156a of the Criminal Code on blasphemy. He was named a suspect by the National Police on Nov. 16 after his controversial remarks in which he cited a Quranic verse. Recordings of the remarks went viral, instigating two massive anti-Ahok demonstrations.
AGO announced that the trial will take place at the Central Jakarta District Court. (dmr)
