Christian Apologist Wins Freedom
Christian apologist Gratia Pello has been granted parole after spending over a year in an Indonesian prison. Pello was initially detained on December 6, 2022, on charges of blasphemy related to a video he posted that was considered offensive to the Islamic prophet Muhammad. The video, which was meant to respond to criticisms of Jesus, led to his arrest and trial.
Following his arrest, Pello experienced significant scrutiny from law enforcement. Nearly 30 officers raided his home, conducting a detailed search and confiscating various items. The charges were based on a particular episode from his YouTube channel, which had been flagged for allegedly offending Islamic beliefs.
Pello’s trial ended on April 17, 2023, with a Malang district court sentencing him to two years and six months in prison. As a Coptic Orthodox Christian and a professor at a Christian theological school in East Java, Pello was known for his online debates comparing Christianity and Islam, which attracted considerable attention and controversy.
Despite Indonesia’s constitutional guarantee of religious freedom, the country has faced criticism for its treatment of religious minorities. With the world’s largest Muslim population, Indonesia has been criticized for its approach to Christians and other minority groups. In the 2023 World Watch List by Open Doors, Indonesia was ranked 33rd for Christian persecution.
The Pancasila doctrine, which forms the basis of Indonesia’s Constitution, advocates principles of unity and justice but is often challenged by extremist groups targeting non-Muslim communities. These groups frequently obstruct the construction of Christian churches and have contributed to the closure of over 1,000 places of worship due to their influence.