The next hearing of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama's blasphemy case will be held at the Agriculture Ministry's building in Pasar Minggu, South Jakarta, to avoid disruptions in public areas.
The Supreme Court approved the North Jakarta District Court's plan to move Ahok's trial venue to the ministry's compound from the current location at the former Central Jakarta District Court building on Jl. Gajah Mada No. 17, Central Jakarta, following requests from police authorities and prosecutors.They sought a new venue in a bid to avoid disruptions of public activities in the current location, which is in the heart of the city's economic center.
"The next hearing is set to be held at the Agriculture Ministry's building on Jan. 3," presiding judge Dwiarso Budi Santiarto said during Ahok's third hearing on Tuesday.
In the hearing, the judge panel read out the court's rejection over Ahok's exception conveyed on Dec. 21. In his exception, Ahok rejected the prosecutors' indictment, saying he had never intended to insult Islam, the Quran and ulemas.
The blasphemy case, which occurs during heightened political tensions ahead of the upcoming Jakarta gubernatorial election, has drawn public attention, including among Ahok's supporters and opponents.
During Tuesday's hearing, hundreds of people packed areas in front of the North Jakarta District Court both to give their support to Ahok and to criticize him over the case and demand his arrest.
Police personnel beefed up the security inside and outside the court's building, prohibiting many journalists from entering the courtroom by claiming it had been overcapacity. Like in previous hearings, heavy traffic congestion occurred during today's hearing. (ebf)
Source: Ahok's next blasphemy hearing moved to S. Jakarta: Judge
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