The very existence of blasphemy laws in Indonesia is concerning. As a general matter, such laws are usually applied against minorities and poor people, but the high-profile nature of Ahok’s case has the potential to spark a broader controversy regarding the merit of these laws.

According to a report by Amnesty International, blasphemy laws in Indonesia address two different acts: deviation from the six official religions and defamation of these religions. A presidential decree created the blasphemy laws. Article 1 states:
Every individual is prohibited in public from intentionally conveying, endorsing, or attempting to gain public support in the interpretation of a certain religion embraced by the people of Indonesia or undertaking religious-based activities that resemble the religious activities of the religion in question, where such interpretation and activities are in deviation of the basic teachings of the religion.
According to Amnesty International, between 2005 and 2014 at least 106 people were prosecuted and convicted on blasphemy charges. Hmmm.........Islamic human rights don't allow any criticism of Islam. Read the full story here.