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Former nun turned Muslim preacher testifies against Ahok
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Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama attends a hearing held by the North Jakarta District Court on Tuesday. (Kumparan/ POOL/Aditia Noviansyah/ via JP)
I
rena Handono, a former Catholic nun who became an Islamic preacher, testified against Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama on Tuesday, saying Ahok’s comments about Surah Al Maidah 51 of the Quran during a visit to Thousand Islands on Sept. 27 aimed to further his political agenda.
"The suspect has used his working hours to do hidden campaigning [...] Why didn't he just talk about work? Why should he talk about the Quran, which is beyond his capacity?" Irena said to the judges, adding that Ahok's working visit should have been about fish cultivation, not the upcoming election.
Irena said that although Ahok did not convey his vision, mission and program during the meeting, the incumbent had encouraged residents to vote for him.
Like other prosecution witnesses who reported Ahok to the police for alleged blasphemy, Irena also condemned Ahok's statement, which some have interpreted as insulting the Quran.
“As a non-Muslim, Ahok should not criticize Islam,” she said.
Ahok's lawyers countered Irena's testimony by grilling her about her educational background, which was later stopped by the judges due to its irrelevance.
The lawyers also brought up Irena's Facebook fanpage which, according to them, frequently attacked Christians. (jun)
