Jakarta Governor, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, who is better known as “Ahok” has been sentenced to two years imprisonment for blasphemy.

Ahok, who is a Christian, was accused of ‘insulting Islam’ in an online video posted just after he announced he would re-run as Governor in the 2017 election. This sparked nationwide demonstrations from November 2016 through to May 2017, calling for him to be charged with defamation of Islam.

In his comments Ahok said: “So it can be that in your subconscious that you, ladies and gentlemen, you can’t vote for me because you’ve been lied to, with Surat Almaidah 51 and the like. That’s your right. If you feel you can’t vote for me because you fear you’ll go to hell, because you’ve been lied to, no worries. That’s your personal call.”

Blasphemy laws have been used by both Muslims and non-Muslims in attempts to stifle freedom of expression and religion in Indonesia. Under the laws, people face up to five years in prison simply for peacefully exercising their right to religious freedom.

Join us in calling on the Chief of the High Court of Jakarta and the Minister for Law and Human Rights to release Ahok immediately and unconditionally.

Thank you!

UPDATE 08/12/17: This action is now closed. We will continue to monitor Ahok’s case and call for his immediate and unconditional release while he serves his two year sentence. Thank you to the 14,000 people who took action.

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Dear Justice Daming Sunusi and Dear Minister Yasonna Laoly,

I call on you to immediately and unconditionally release Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) and other individuals who have been convicted of blasphemy.

It is time that Indonesia repeal or amend all blasphemy provisions set out in laws and regulations which violate the rights to freedom of expression and thought, conscience and religion.

Finally, I call on you to take steps to ensure that judges and prosecutors are informed of Indonesia’s human rights obligations and the need for the interpretation and application of national law to be consistent with them.

Yours sincerely,

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Yang Terhormat Bapak Hakim Daming Sunusi dan Bapak Menteri Yasonna Laoly,

Saya meminta kepada Bapak Hakim dan Bapak Menteri untuk membebaskan secara segera dan tidak bersyarat Bapak Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) dan individu-individu lainnya yang telah dihukum atas dasar penistaan agama.

Sudah waktunya Indonesia mencabut / mengamandemen ketentuan mengenai penistaan agama yang berlaku dalam hukum dan peraturan yang melanggar hak asasi manusia dalam kebebasan berekspresi, berpikir dan beragama.

Terakhir, saya meminta agar Bapak dan Ibu mengambil langkah-langkah konkret untuk memastikan bahwa para hakim dan jaksa memahami kewajiban negara Indonesia dalam memenuhi standard HAM internasional dan memahami pentingnya penerapan dan interpretasi hukum nasional agar sesuai dengan standar HAM tersebut.

Hormat saya,

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