Jakarta – Al-Qiyadah, an Islamic sect that rose under the leadership of Ahmad Mussadeq, emerged in response to changing times and Islam's international reputation, the South Jakarta District Court heard Monday.

Maksyusirdan, one of Al-Qiyadah's teachers who appeared as a witness in Mussadeq's trial, told the panel of judges that Mussadeq appeared as a prophet to save Islam from further denouncements.

"My understanding is that we are entering a new era of civilization, thus everything needs to be re-evaluated," he said. Maksyusirdan said he repented after Mussadeq had sworn allegiance to Islam, adding that Al-Qiyadah no longer exists.

Outside the trial, several civil Islamic organizations, such as the Islam Defenders Front (FPI) and the Islam Defenders Brigade (LPI), demanded Mussadeq's death for insulting the Prophet Muhammad.