An estimated 200,000 conservative Muslims marched in Jakarta, Indonesia, on Friday to protest and call for the arrest of a Christian governor whom they say insulted the Quran and Muslims in a campaign speech.
The protest was peaceful, unlike a similar protest on Nov. 4 that turned violent under cover of darkness, killing one and injuring dozens.
Eight people were arrested before Friday's protest on suspicions of treason and plotting to overthrow Indonesia’s president, Joko "Jokowi" Widodo, including the sister and daughter of former presidents and a prominent music star, The Associated Press reported.
The protest was sparked by a September speech from Gov. Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja that argued against the doctrine in the Quran that says Muslims can’t have a non-Muslim leader. By using a verse from the Quran in the speech, conservative Muslims said Ahok blasphemed the holy book by giving his (incorrect, to them) interpretation of it in his speech., the AP said.
Indonesian courts are investigating Ahok over the blasphemy allegations, with a trial starting in the next few weeks, but he has been free while awaiting trial. Ahok is a political ally of President Jokowi, who used the position of governor Ahok now holds as a path to the presidency, the AP reported. Ahok is up for re-election in February.
President Jokowi unexpectedly showed up at the rally to pray with the crowd after being criticized for missing the Nov. 4 gathering. The crowd then dispersed peacefully after the Friday noon prayers as it began to rain.
Ahok has been popular for reforming and modernizing Jakarta, but has recently slipped in the polls.
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