TEMPO.CO, Jakarta - Rights group Amnesty International argued that the protests against the Basuki Tjahaja Purnama's (Ahok) Judicial Review may affect the judge’s verdict and independence.

“It’s difficult to confirm that the verdict will not be affected [by the protests],” said Amnesty International executive director Usman Hamid on Monday, February 26.

Read: Ahok Files Judicial Review, Ruhut Sitompul Says No Blasphemy

Usman views that the blasphemy case entangling Ahok has already been affected by public pressure since the beginning, especially from people who are against the leadership of the former Jakarta Governor.

However, Usman said that the mobocracy effect affecting the verdict of the judicial review will be minimal. According to Usman, the pressure will not be as significant as earlier considering that the Jakarta Gubernatorial Election has passed.

Usman predicted that the time Ahok has served will be a factor to be considered by the panel of judges to issue a fair verdict.

Read: Ahok`s Next Trial to Take Place at North Jakarta Court

Ahok’s judicial review was held today at the North Jakarta District Court. The North Jakarta Police mobilized personnel to secure the court session from groups of people protesting against Ahok’s move.

The North Jakarta District Court previously sentenced Ahok to a two-year imprisonment that he did not appeal to. He submitted for a judicial review after serving six months confinement.

FRISKI RIANA