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Video uploader Buni Yani objects to prosecutors’ indictment
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Staying defiant: Buni Yani (standing, right), the uploader of a video containing alleged blasphemy by non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama, makes a speech after the first hearing of his hate speech trial at the Bandung District Court, West Java, on June 13. (JP/Arya Dipa)
B
uni Yani, the uploader of a video containing the statement that saw currently non-active Jakarta Governor Basuki “Ahok” Tjahaja Purnama convicted of blasphemy, said he was going to file an objection against his indictment for allegedly spreading hate speech toward the governor.
Buni said he would challenge the charge that he had knowingly spread an edited video of Ahok’s speech, which contained a section many considered to be insulting to the Quran. Buni said he would convey his objection at his next hearing at the Bandung District Court, West Java.
During the first hearing of Buni’s hate speech trial on Tuesday, prosecutors accused the lecturer of violating Article 32 of the 2011 Information and Electronic Transactions Law. The law carries sanctions for anyone found guilty of intentionally making changes, hiding or transmitting electronic information or documents belonging to other people or the public.
“I don’t understand what the indictment is talking about. I have never been investigated regarding Article 32,” said Buni.
The prosecutors also indicted him for violating Article 28 by inciting hatred or hostility toward an individual and/or a certain group of people based on ethnicity, religion, race or social group (SARA).
Buni further said the case against him had lost its legal basis as a court had found Ahok guilty of committing blasphemy. “What I said was not false or defamatory. He has been imprisoned. Hence, I should be freed.”
At least 50 people from the West Java Islamic Movement Alliance staged a rally outside the court building, urging the judges to set Buni free. (kuk/ebf)
