Asia-Pacific News

Leader of Indonesian Muslim sect goes on trial for blasphemy

Feb 13, 2008, 9:17 GMT

Jakarta - An Indonesian Muslim, who declared himself to be a prophet after Mohammed, went on trial on Wednesday, charged with religious blasphemy, an offence punishable by up to five years in prison. Ahmad Moshaddeq, the leader of outlawed Muslim sect al-Qiyadah al-Islamiyah, is accused inciting public hostility and tarnishing the image of Indonesia's dominant religion. Chief prosecutor Muchamad Muhadjir said in his indictment that Mushaddeq had claimed himself the prophet and told his followers there was no requirement for them to go on a haj to Mecca, nor to pray five times each day. In September 2007, the Indonesian Council of Ulemas, the country's highest authority on Islam, declared al-Qiyahad a 'misguided' sect, saying it had defied one of Islam's six pillars of faith and followed teachings that run counter to mainstream Islamic beliefs. In November, Mushaddeq and several disciples surrendered themselves to Jakarta city police after angry Muslims vandalized a building used by the sect for meditation in the hill town of Bogor near the capital. Also in November, Indonesian authorities issued a ban against the group, estimated to have about 40,000 followers in the country. Nearly 90 per cent of Indonesia's 225 million people are Muslim. Most practice a tolerant form of the religion, which is sometimes incorporated Hindu and animist beliefs.

Asia-Pacific News

Leader of Indonesian Muslim sect goes on trial for blasphemy

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