Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, popularly known as "Ahok”, sits on the defendant's chair at the start of his trial hearing at North Jakarta District Court. Tatan Syuflana
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Ahok facing 'rubbery' charges
A CHRISTIAN who is standing for re-election as Jakarta governor claims Indonesia's "rubbery” blasphemy law is being manipulated by his opponents to crush his chances in February's election, a court has heard. Two weeks ago more than 150,000 people rallied in the Indonesian capital calling for him to be jailed. On Tuesday, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama - commonly known as Ahok - faced court for the first day of his trial. He began his emotional defence by saying religion had been used against him throughout his career. Ahok will return to court next week.
