Jakarta (ANTARA News) - The National Movement to Safeguard the Indonesian Ulema Councils Fatwa (GNPF-MUI) leader Bachtiar Nasir has asked demonstrators joining a massive rally here Friday to accept whatever verdict the panel of judges reach in the case of incumbent Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnamas blasphemy trial.

"Are you all ready for accepting whatever verdict the panel of judges will make?" he asked the rallys participants flocking the main floors of the Central Jakarta-based Istiqlal Grand Mosque and inside and outside complex areas on Friday.

Tens of thousands of people generally wearing white Muslim caps and clothing joined the massive rally to demand from the panel of judges trying the blasphemy case of this incumbent Jakarta governor, popularly known by his nickname "Ahok" for reaching a just and fair verdict.

Bachtiar said in the verdict if the North Jakarta District Courts judges failed to meet the demonstrators demand, the almighty Allahs court would be the fairest one.

"Everyone must be ready for accepting almighty Allahs decision if Ahoks blasphemy trial fails to meet a just and fair verdict," he said.

Bachtiar also urged the rallys participants to respect law and order by not violating the rules of law that the police have made.

Regarding his case, Ahok defended himself by claiming there was no evidence that he had insulted Islam or undermined adherents of a particular religion during his 19th blasphemy trial on April 25, 2017.

"I do believe that the panel of judges will consider all facts and legal evidence presented during these trials in which the prosecutors have also admitted and verified that I did not make slanderous statements against a religion as alleged," he stated while reading his defense plea.

During the 18th trial, the prosecutors had demanded the court sentence Ahok to one years imprisonment and place him on probation for two years over the blasphemy charges.

"Hence, it is concluded that Jakarta Governor Ahok has been legitimately proven and has convincingly met formulations of criminal element in line with the second alternative Article No. 156 of the Criminal Code (KUHP)," Ali Mukartono, the chief prosecutor, noted during the trial held at the North Jakarta District Court, at the Agriculture Ministry, here, on April 20.

The prosecutors highlighted incriminating considerations, including the fact that the defendant had caused public unrest and misunderstanding among Indonesian community groups.

The North Jakarta District Court is expected to hand down a ruling on May 9, 2017. Ahoks blasphemy trial began on December 13, 2016.

The Jakarta governor had been accused of blasphemy against the Islamic Holy Book of Al Quran when he gave a speech in the Seribu Islands, northern Jakarta, last September.

During his speech, Ahok said the voters had been lied to by those citing sura Al Maida verse 51 of the Al Quran.

Blasphemy is a criminal offense in Indonesia and is punishable with up to five years in prison. (*)

Editor: Heru Purwanto
Copyright © ANTARA 2017