Panel of Judges Decides to Detain Ahok

Jakarta (Antara Bali) - The North Jakarta District Courts panel of judges decided to detain Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama (Ahok) after the court found him guilty of religious blasphemy and sentenced him to two years imprisonment on Tuesday.

"While taking a decision on the defendant, the court should first take into account the aggravating and mitigating factors," Abdul Rosyad, a member of the judge panel, stated while reading the verdict on Ahoks trial held at the North Jakarta District Court in the Auditorium of the Agriculture Ministry in South Jakarta on Tuesday.

Rosyad said the aggravating factors included the fact that the defendant did not plead guilty. His deed had triggered unrest, hurt the sentiments of Muslims, and could cause disunity among religious communities and groups.

Speaking in connection with the mitigating factors, Rosyad elaborated that Ahok had never been punished, had demonstrated good conduct, and had been cooperative during court sessions.

"During the investigation and prosecution, the defendant was not detained. Based on Article 193 point (2a) of the Criminal Code, while handing down a verdict on a defendant, who has not been detained, the court could order the detention of the defendant," Rosyad noted.

In response to the verdict handed out by the panel of judges, headed by Dwiarso Budi Santiarto, Ahok and his team of lawyers said they will prepare an appeal against the courts decision.

The courts decision differs from the prosecutors demand that the court sentence Ahok to one year in prison and place him on probation for two years over blasphemy charges.

Several thousand anti- and pro-Ahok demonstrators gathered outside the court where the blasphemy trial was taking place, though Santiarto had ended the court proceeding.

The two groups of demonstrators were separated by the police to maintain law and order. However, several supporters of Ahok who had joined the rally were in tears after hearing the courts decision. (WDY)