The fiery Islamic cleric Rizieq Shihab, who returned to Indonesia last year from self-imposed exile pledging to lead a “moral revolution,” was sentenced to eight months in prison on Thursday for attracting people to attend mass gatherings in violation of coronavirus protocols. On his arrival in Indonesia, Mr. Rizieq, 55, was welcomed as a returning hero by his followers. Soon after, he attracted thousands more to his daughter’s wedding and an event straight after where he preached about his vision of Islamic law for Indonesia. Mr. Rizieq, the leader of the Islamic Defenders Front, a prominent Islamic group known for its extremism, has been branded “a thug” by his critics. But his ability to attract crowds and his radical message could pose a political threat to Indonesia’s president, Joko Widodo.

Source: International New York Times May 27, 2021 12:18 UTC