Indonesia. A virulent Islamic hard-liner who incited others to attack a church community in Bekasi stunned judges and the gallery at his trial on Monday by bursting into tears and advocating social harmony.
Murhali Barda, the suspended head of the Bekasi chapter of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), had none of his usual fiery calls for violence.
After requesting time to express his thoughts from the presiding judge, Wasdi Permana, the defendant began to weep. Prosecutors have accused Murhali of inciting the attack through text messages and speeches on the radio as well as updates from his personal Facebook page.
Murhali Barda, the suspended head of the Bekasi chapter of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), had none of his usual fiery calls for violence.
After requesting time to express his thoughts from the presiding judge, Wasdi Permana, the defendant began to weep. Prosecutors have accused Murhali of inciting the attack through text messages and speeches on the radio as well as updates from his personal Facebook page.
