Ahok's supporters move to Cipinang to show support

JAKARTA. Hundreds of supporters of Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama moved their gathering from his hearing venue in South Jakarta to Cipinang detention center in East Jakarta to show support for the governor.

Mass coordinator Rendy Reinhart said Tuesday the supporters were going to gather in front of the detention center as a symbol of struggle and fight for justice. He considered that the judge had delivered a verdict based on public pressure.

"There are even suspicions that the case was ridden by political elites," Rendy said.

He added that the judges' decision to hand down a sentence that was heavier than the prosecutors' demands was very questionable, emphasizing that Ahok had apologized for the alleged blasphemy.

Earlier this morning the panel of judges led by Dwiarso Budi Santiarso sentenced Ahok to two years in prison for his crime, higher than the prosecutors’ demand. “The defendant Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, alias Ahok, is proven guilty of committing blasphemy," Dwiarso said.

Ahok, whose term ends in October, has said he would appeal the verdict. (Indra Budiari)