ABC Home | Radio | Television | News | Your Local ABC | More Subjects… | Shop

Email

Indonesia issues restrictions on Islamic sect

By Indonesia correspondent Geoff Thompson

Posted June 9, 2008 22:16:00

Indonesia's Government has issued a decree severely restricting the activities of the minority Islamic sect Ahmadiya.

Many observers believe the decision could lead to more violence.

The decree released by Indonesia's Attorney-General and ministers for Religion and Interior Affairs, has ordered members of the Ahmadiya sect to stop spreading any interpretation of Islam which is not in accordance with mainstream Islamic law.

Citing an Indonesian law against blasphemy, the decision forbids Ahmadiya from preaching that there is a prophet other than Mohammad.

Ahmadiyya's critics believe the sect credits its founder Mirza Ghulam Ahmad with prophet-like status.

Earlier this month a gang of Muslim militants demanding a ban on the sect attacked a group of peaceful protesters supporting Ahmadiya.

Human rights activists believe the government decision is unclear and could spark more violence.

Tags: community-and-society, religion-and-beliefs, islam, world-politics, sects, indonesia

Watch

Moon, Venus and Jupiter 'smiling' through the trees

Celestial happiness

Venus and Jupiter align with the moon to create a smiling face in the sky.

Opinion

Mumbai takes stock after terrorist attacks

Change of tactics

Other terrorist groups will now be studying the modus operandi of the Mumbai attacks.

Feature

A baby koala clings to its mother's back

GPS koalas

Phone-savvy science is tracking the breeding habits of koalas.