abc NEWS: An Indonesian court sentenced a Shiite cleric to two years in jail for blasphemy Thursday in a case rights activists have called a setback to religious freedom in the world's third-largest democracy.
The three-judge panel found Tajul Muluk guilty of insulting Islam with his religious teachings.
Citing testimonies from witnesses, the panel said Muluk had taught about revising daily obligatory prayers from five to three, saying the current holy book of Quran was no longer authentic and considering companions of the Prophet Muhammad to be infidels.
"The defendant has been legally and convincingly proven guilty of blasphemy," said presiding judge Purnomo Amin Tjahjo. "His acts, in principle have insulted Islam."
He added that Muluk had dispensed Shiite religious teachings that were declared heretical by the influential Indonesia Ulema (preacher) Council. The council and most Indonesian Muslims are Sunni. » | Associated Press, Sampang, Indonesia | Thursday, July 12, 2012
