An Indonesian court sentenced extreme religious leader Rizieq Shihab to four years in prison for lying about the findings of his Covid-19 test.
The verdict Thursday comes after the same court sentenced Rizieq, the leader of the banned Islamic Defenders Front (FPI), to an eight-month prison term in May for violating coronavirus restrictions at several large public events, including his daughter's wedding, which was attended by thousands of people.
Rizieq was charged with disseminating false information after posting a video on YouTube saying he was healthy despite testing positive for Covid-19. The 55-year-old was being treated at the Ummi Hospital in Bogor, a city just outside Indonesia's capital, Jakarta, at the time.
Prosecutors said Rizieq's false declaration that he was well, which was broadcast on many TV networks and widely circulated on social media, put the community at risk, given that he had attended several events attended by thousands of people.
On Monday, the number of coronavirus infections in Indonesia surpassed 2 million, as authorities proposed further restrictions to combat the virus's spread in the world's fourth-most populated country. The virus has now claimed the lives of 55,594 people.
Rizieq was found guilty of "announcing false information and purposefully causing public confusion" by Judge Khadwanto, who delivered the verdict Thursday. In addition, the judge ordered that the time he has already served be deducted from his sentence.
Shortly afterward, the religious leader informed the court that he disagreed with its decision and would contest it.
Rizieq has been in detention since Dec. 13.
Hanif Alatas, Rizieq's son-in-law, was also sentenced to two years in prison for being an accessory to the crime.
Hundreds of Rizieq's supporters had gathered outside the East Jakarta Court before his sentencing. Later, police used tear gas and water cannons to disperse supporters who attempted to approach the court.
The Indonesian government banned the FPI in December, claiming that it lacked legal standing to exist as a civil organization and that its activities frequently violated the law and caused public disorder.
