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Man Arrested for Declaring Atheism on Facebook

Indonesian civil servant faces up to 5 years for 'blasphemy'

By Neal Colgrass,  Newser Staff

Posted Jan 21, 2012 3:24 PM CST

(Newser) – Indonesian atheists, look out. An angry mob attacked a civil servant in Padang after he declared his atheism on Facebook, said police—who promptly arrested the civil servant. "He is suspected of having blasphemed against Islam," a police chief said of Alexander An, 30. "The man told police investigators that if God really exists and has absolute power, why didn't he prevent bad things from happening in this world."

Atheism remains unpopular in Indonesia, where blasphemy is punishable by up to 5 years in prison, AFP reports. An, who was raised Muslim like most Indonesians, had actually started an atheist Facebook group that had 1,243 followers. But his postings quickly disappeared after his arrest.

In Indonesia, post atheist Facebook messages at your own risk.
In Indonesia, post atheist Facebook messages at your own risk.   (AP Photo/Paul Sakuma)
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COMMENTS
Showing 3 of 95 comments
saucier111
Jan 22, 2012 1:06 PM CST
I forgot to mention the old gods from India, Lord Krisnha and the ancient Maharabarata.What are the Naska plains in Peru,the gates of the gods,and ancient walls. There is no one more blind than some one with a closed mind.
saucier111
Jan 22, 2012 1:00 PM CST
Religion is the biggest hoax ever played on man kind. The bible is watered down stories and dreams with a small amount of truth by accident. Study ancient history and then tell me how you feel about religion. They have dug up 22,000 cuneiform scripts, these scripts date back to 3800 bce. The Sumerians were one of the first cultures that kept track of history. It's a very interesting subject, read about the Anunnaki's and other gods. Then look up the Egyptian god HORUS, the greek gods Zeus,Poseiden,and Apollo, the Roman gods Jupiter,neptune and Apollo,the Mayans gods,the America Hokie indians they all tell the same story going back thousand of years.
bewilderbeast
Jan 22, 2012 11:21 AM CST
"Coming soon to an America near you".

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