The leader of a hard-line Islamic group in Indonesia went on trial Thursday for allegedly mobilizing followers to attack demonstrators at a religious tolerance rally two months ago.
Members of the Islamic Defenders' Front _ many clad in Islamic robes and headscarves _ were caught on video attacking men, woman and children with bamboo sticks at the June 1 demonstration in Jakarta.
The 200 peaceful demonstrators included Christians and members of the Ahmadiyah minority Muslim sect, which the hard-liners consider heretical. They were gathered at the National Monument to celebrate the country's tradition of religious tolerance.
Rizieq Shihab, head of the hard-line group, faces up to five and a half years in prison if convicted of inciting the violence.
State Prosecutor Nurlini, who goes by a single name, accused Shihab of deliberately provoking his followers to commit the attack.
Shihab, who was arrested days after the rally, denies involvement.
Presiding Judge Panusunan Harahap adjourned the hearing until next Monday, when witnesses will be called.
Moderate Muslims have called for the disbanding of the group, known by its Indonesian acronym FPI. It has a history of ransacking establishments considered un-Islamic.
