RELIGION

The Latest: Jakarta gov to appeal blasphemy prison sentence

Associated Press
Published | Updated

Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, center, is escorted by prosecutors as enters the court room for his sentencing hearing in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, May 9, 2017. The minority Christian governor is currently on trial on accusation of blasphemy following his remark about a passage in the Quran that could be interpreted as prohibiting Muslims from accepting non-Muslims as leaders. (Bay Ismoyo/Pool Photo via AP) (The Associated Press)

Supporters of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama display balloons during a rally outside the court where his sentencing hearing is held in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, May 9, 2017. The minority Christian governor is currently on trial on accusation of blasphemy following his remark about a passage in the Quran that could be interpreted as prohibiting Muslims from accepting non-Muslims as leaders. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (The Associated Press)

Supporters of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama display a poster that reads "Free Ahok" during a rally outside the court where his sentencing hearing is held in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, May 9, 2017. The minority Christian governor is currently on trial on accusation of blasphemy following his remark about a passage in the Quran that could be interpreted as prohibiting Muslims from accepting non-Muslims as leaders. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (The Associated Press)

The Latest on the blasphemy trial of the Indonesian capital's minority Christian governor (all times local):

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11:20 a.m.

Jakarta Gov. Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama says he will appeal a guilty verdict and two-year prison sentence for blasphemy.

The sentencing Tuesday was a shock to his supporters after prosecutors had recommended two years of probation. Members of hard-line Muslim groups gathered outside the court in north Jakarta were jubilant.

The lead judge said the trial was a purely criminal one and the court disagreed that there were political aspects to the case.