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Militant leader jailed

Jakarta: Police scuffled with militant Muslim protesters on Monday when an Indonesian court sentenced their leader to seven months in prison for organising mob attacks on nightclubs and restaurants in the capital. Habib Rizieq Shihab, who heads the small, but high profile Islamic Defenders' Front, was found ``guilty of inciting violent acts and spreading hatred against the lawful Government of Indonesia,'' the presiding judge, Heri Suwantoro, said. ``His actions have caused unrest among the people and disturbances to the public order''. Rizieq sat passively as the verdict was handed down in the Central Jakarta District Court. But outside, hundreds of his supporters reacted angrily. Many shouted: ``Release our teacher! God is Great!'' The crowd briefly surged forward but was beaten back by police. The judge said Rizieq will be released in November, having already spent four months in custody (the picture shows the children of Rizieq Shihab, who appear scared after supporters of their father clashed with the police at the court).

AP

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