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Catholic group in Indonesia accuses Islamic leader of insulting Christianity

Muslim protesters are seen outside a court at the blasphemy trial of Jakarta's incumbent governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama, also known as Ahok, in Jakarta, Indonesia, December 20, 2016. | Reuters/Darren Whiteside

A Catholic group has filed charges against an Islamic leader for insulting Christianity based on a sermon he gave urging Muslims not to allow Christians to greet them "Merry Christmas."

Habib Rizieq, the founder of the Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), was reported to the police by the Union of Catholic University Students of the Republic of Indonesia (PMKRI) for a video sermon, in which he allegedly insulted Christianity.

The accusations against Rizieq came after the North Jakarta District Court ruled that it would proceed with the blasphemy trial against Jakarta's Christian governor Basuki Tjahaja Purnama. FPI is reportedly the group that spearheaded the three massive protests calling for Purnama's imprisonment.

In the video, Rizieq said that Muslims should not allow Christians to greet them Merry Christmas because it is saying happy birthday to the child of God.

According to Sydney Morning Herald, he quoted the third verse of sura 112 from the Quran which stated, "He (God) neither begets nor is begotten." Rizieq allegedly said, "If Jesus is the son of God, then who would be the midwife?"

Catholic University Students Union leader Angelo Wake Kako said that Christians were offended by Rizieq's remark.

"We felt insulted and hurt by the hate statement from Habib Rizieq. It mirrored the lack of tolerance towards diversity in Indonesia, which has been nourished by our ancestors and by us," said Kako.

According to Breitbart, PMKRI, also reported two other people for uploading Rizieq's speech on social media.

Jakarta Police spokesman Argo Yuwono said that the case will be investigated to determine whether a crime has taken place.

University of NSW academic Melissa Crouch, an expert in Indonesia's blasphemy laws, said that there had been people in the past who were convicted for blaspheming against Christianity, but it was usually intra-Christian disputes.

"I think it is probably unprecedented for a Catholic group to lodge a complaint against a radical Islamist leader. I think we are in uncharted waters," said Crouch.

Rizieq issued a statement on his website denying that he insulted Christianity. He stated that he had hosted interfaith dialogues and "all religious leaders are satisfied and happy" with his practice.

"Rizieq never insulted any religion. PMKRI, do not spread slander. Be careful, Muslims can be wrathful and anger can explode," the statement read, according to Breitbart.