REPUBLIKA.CO.ID, JAKARTA – The Deputy Chairman of Indonesian Council of Ulama (MUI) Zainut Tauhid said the institution respected judges’ decision on blasphemy case involved Basuki Tjahaja Purnama or Ahok as the defendant. It was a prerogative rights by the judges. 

"Firstly, MUI respects the judges’ decision. Secondly, judges have their own consideration and it was their prerogative rights, we may not intervene as they have their freedom in making decision,” said him in a press release received by Republika.co.id on Tuesday (May 9). 

Also read: Ahok gets two years imprisonment

According to Zainut, the decision implied that MUI’s religious stance was valid and was used as legal consideration to the judges. MUI thanked to all the Islamic organizations, preachers, habibs, Islamic leaders and all Muslims who consistently involved in the process with patience, efforts and manners to keep spirit and unity. 

“May Allah repays with so many blessings,” he said.