Jakarta’s governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama has denied he intended to insult the Quran at the start of his blasphemy trial, marked by rival rallies outside the court.

A Christian of Chinese descent, Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, known as Ahok, cried as he denied allegations he insulted Islam.

Ahok is the first non-Muslim governor of Indonesia’s capital in 50 years.

Image source YouTube

The case is being seen as a test of religious tolerance in the world’s largest Muslim-majority nation.

The prosecution said Ahok insulted Islam by misusing a Quranic verse which suggests Muslims should not be ruled by non-Muslims, to boost public support ahead of February’s governorship election.

Ahok insisted his comments were aimed at politicians “incorrectly” using a Quranic verse against him, not at the verse itself.

If convicted, Ahok faces a maximum five-year jail sentence. After the short hearing, the trial was adjourned until December 20.