Muslims in Jakarta join protest against governor over allegedly insulting Quran

Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahja Purnama. (Facebook photo)

MOSCOW—Tens of thousands of Muslims on Friday started a rally in the Indonesian capital to protest against Jakarta Governor Basuki Tjahja Purnama over his alleged insult of Quran, local media reported.

The protesters, mostly dressed in white, gathered in a demonstration calling on the authorities to initiate investigation against Purnama, also known as Ahok, since he allegedly insulted Islam, commenting on the verses from Quran during his visit to the Thousand Islands regency, The Jakarta Post newspaper reported.

Thousands of police officers are ensuring security at the rally held across 26 locations in the city.

Purnama, a Christian and the first Chinese governor of Jakarta, has apologized for the remarks on Quran, which had sparked outrage among the Islamic communities.