How Indonesian Woman's TikTok Video Lead Her To Prison

In a case that has ignited heated debates both within Indonesia and beyond, Lina Mukherjee, a 33-year-old Indonesian woman, has been sentenced to two years in prison and slapped with a hefty fine. Her alleged crime?

Reciting an Islamic prayer before consuming pork in a viral TikTok video that garnered millions of views. This incident has sent shockwaves through the Muslim-majority country and raised questions about freedom of expression, religious tolerance, and the fairness of Indonesia's blasphemy law.

The controversy began when a resident reported Mukherjee in March after her TikTok video went viral. In the video, she can be seen uttering a Muslim prayer that translates to "in the name of God" before indulging in crispy pork skin. For those unaware, pork is strictly forbidden in Islam, which is the dominant religion in Indonesia. Mukherjee herself identifies as a Muslim, adding a layer of complexity to the case.

Legal Consequences

The verdict, handed down in the South Sumatra city of Palembang, found Mukherjee guilty of "spreading information aimed at inciting hatred against religious individuals and specific groups." This decision has not only raised eyebrows but has also sparked outrage among those who view it as an infringement on freedom of expression. 

Heavy Fine

In addition to the two-year prison sentence, Mukherjee was fined a staggering 250 million rupiah (approximately US$16,200). Failure to pay this fine could extend her jail term by an additional three months. This significant financial penalty has fueled further controversy and debate.

Speaking to reporters outside court on October 10 after the trial, Mukherjee expressed shock at the sentence.

“I know I was wrong but I really did not expect this punishment,” she said, in comments carried by CNN Indonesia. It is possible that she will file an appeal, CNN Indonesia added.

Religious Backlash

Mukherjee's actions were swiftly condemned by conservative groups in Indonesia, including the influential Indonesian Ulema Council, which issued a ruling labelling the video as blasphemous. This incident is far from an isolated one; Indonesia has seen a series of blasphemy cases in recent years, raising concerns about the fairness of the country's blasphemy laws.

Blasphemy Laws Under Scrutiny

Critics argue that Indonesia's blasphemy laws are often misused to target religious minorities. The case of Jakarta's ex-governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok, serves as a glaring example. In 2017, Ahok, a Christian, was jailed for nearly two years on controversial blasphemy charges stemming from comments he made during a re-election campaign. His case stirred international outrage and highlighted the challenges faced by religious minorities in Indonesia.

The case of Lina Mukherjee and her viral TikTok video raises important questions about freedom of expression, religious tolerance, and the role of blasphemy laws in Indonesia. It has become a lightning rod for discussions about the boundaries of speech in a diverse and religiously sensitive society. As the nation grapples with this controversy, it remains to be seen how this case will impact the ongoing debate surrounding the enforcement and reform of Indonesia's blasphemy laws.

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