Indonesian Comedian Sentenced to Jail for Blasphemy Joke About Name ‘Muhammad’

In Muslim-majority Indonesia, a court sentenced comedian Aulia Rakhman to seven months in prison for blasphemy. Rakhman made a joke about the prevalence of the name ‘Muhammad,’ which is inspired by the Islamic prophet, and its association with misbehavior. The prosecutor’s office claimed his joke spread hatred, citing a law that prohibits statements that conflict with official religions or hinder religious adherence. The law carries a maximum sentence of five years, and prosecutors had requested an eight-month term for Rakhman. His actions were deemed to have disturbed society. This incident adds to a series of blasphemy cases in Indonesia, including the arrest of six individuals in 2022 for a bar promotion involving free alcohol for people named ‘Muhammad.’ Rights groups have criticized the law’s misuse against religious minorities.

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