Jakarta governor sheds tears as he testifies at his blasphemy trial

Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama was tearful when he gave his testimony denying the allegations of blasphemy at his trial on Tuesday.

Purnama choked back tears as he narrated to the panel of five judges that he did not intend to insult the Quran. He stated that the accusation of blasphemy would be the same as saying he insulted his adoptive parents and siblings who are Muslims.

"I was partly raised by my adoptive parents and their love profoundly remains in my heart. My first postgraduate tuition fee was even paid by my adoptive sister who is a Muslim," Purnama testified, as reported by The Jakarta Post.

He pointed out that he had provided many facilities and assistance to his Islamic constituents, including the construction of the first grand mosque, donations to religious schools, and the celebration of Islamic days.

Purnama was the appointed governor of Jakarta after his predecessor Joko Widodo became president in 2014.

The Christian governor, who is seeking reelection against two Muslim candidates in the upcoming Feb. 15 poll, generated controversy in September this year when he spoke to local residents and officials in Thousand Islands about voting rights.

Purnama pointed out that Al-Maidah, verse 51 of the Quran, is often used by politicians to tell Muslim voters not to vote for non-Muslims.

"My remark was intended to show that politicians often misuse the verse because they don't want to compete in a fair manner in a regional election," the governor told the judges.

He has repeatedly apologized for his remarks, but the incident has sparked two large-scale protests on the streets of Central Jakarta.

Hundreds of protesters have also gathered on the streets outside the former Central Jakarta District Court building on the first day of his trial.

Purnama and his lawyers believe that the case is politically motivated through the use of public pressure.

"This defense statement is titled 'trial by the mob,'" said lawyer Trimoelja D. Soerjadi as he read the defense note.

"Indonesian citizens have witnessed public pressure in this case [as demonstrators] filled thoroughfares. This has led to the irregular acceleration of Ahok's legal process," he stated, referring to the rallies against Purnama on Nov. 4 and Dec. 2.

After the hearing, Purnama was escorted away from the court in an armored police truck. The next hearing will be held on Dec. 20.