In 2004, Charisal Matsen Agustinus Manu, an Indonesian civil servant, was tasked with the production of an annually-published book reporting population statistics for the Regency of Alor. He was also in charge of designing the cover, which he wanted to reflect the historical legacy of Alor. For this purpose, he found images online: one of a dancer in the traditional clothing of the region, another of “an ancient book.” 

Whether wittingly or not, Charisal used a photograph of a book with writing from the Qur’an in it. Furthermore, its positioning on the cover was such that the dancer appeared to be stepping on it with his left foot. In other words, the cover of this book depicted the defacement and desecration of the Qur’an.

At least one protest with gatherers numbering in the thousands took place, with demonstrators demanding the ceasing of the book’s circulation and the prosecution of its designer. Three employees working under Charisal gave details on what had happened to the Indonesian Ulema Council, who commenced an investigation confirming the content of the images. Charisal was then reported to the police and summarily arrested for blasphemy.

Although Charisal was initially found guilty and given two years’ imprisonment, a glimmer of hope came when a higher court overturned this verdict, acquitting him. This glimmer, sadly, was extinguished; the case found its way to the Supreme Court, where the initial sentence was upheld.