Supporters of Jakarta Governor Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama light candles and shout slogans during a rally outside Cipinang Prison where he is being held after a court sentenced him to two years in prison, in Jakarta, Indonesia, Tuesday, May 9, 2017. Judges handed down the verdict for the minority Christian governor on Tuesday for blaspheming the Quran, a jarring ruling that undermines the reputation of the world's largest Muslim nation for practicing a moderate form of Islam. (AP Photo/Dita Alangkara) (The Associated Press)
JAKARTA, Indonesia – The imprisonment of a Christian politician for blaspheming Islam has triggered an outpouring of anger and support around Indonesia.
Nightly candlelight vigils have been held in cities across the sprawling archipelago since Tuesday when the governor of the capital Jakarta, Basuki "Ahok" Tjahaja Purnama, was found guilty and sentenced to two years prison.
Months of huge protests against Ahok by Islamic hardliners and the unexpectedly severe sentence have undermined Indonesia's reputation for practicing a moderate form of Islam.
Indonesians abroad also held vigils in cities including Amsterdam, Toronto and Melbourne, Australia.
Ahok was transferred to a prison outside Jakarta after thousands of supporters converged Tuesday on the high-security prison in Jakarta where he was initially sent.
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