Jakarta, Indonesia - The Central Jakarta District Court decided Wednesday to proceed with the trial of Lia Aminuddin, the leader of the Kingdom of Eden sect, who is accused of blasphemy.
"The court rejects the defendant's argument," said presiding judge Lief Sofijullah.
Lia, who also calls herself Lia Eden and the messenger of the Angel Gabriel, told the court, from her rattan "throne", it had enraged Gabriel.
"I have spoken as Gabriel, not as Lia. I am Gabriel and I say that God's rage will come upon the court," said Lia, who was clad in white robes and a green shawl and clasping a staff.
Lia's lawyer, Erna Ratnaningsih, said she would appeal the court's decision, saying that Lia and her followers had done nothing wrong.
The court was adjourned to Monday to hear witnesses' testimonies.