Indramayu. Controversial Muslim cleric Panji Gumilang was released from the state prison in Indramayu regency, West Java, on Wednesday after serving his one-year sentence for blasphemy.

The founder of Al Zaytun Islamic Boarding School saluted several supporters who welcomed him outside of the prison, before leaving in a black Toyota SUV.

Panji, 78, was detained on August 1 last year following reports that his school had taught students against basic Islamic teachings.

The police investigation centered around allegations that the boarding school in Indramayu allows men and women to pray together in the same row during Eid al-Fitr and permits a woman to serve as an Imam during congregational prayers.

Panji also reportedly made a controversial statement claiming that the Quran was "invented by Prophet Mohammad."

He was previously associated with a movement to establish an Islamic state in Indonesia.

On March 20, the Indramayu District Court found him guilty of blasphemy and sentenced him to one year in prison, deducted from the time he had served during the pre-trial detention.

A correctional official said Panji had been granted a 15-day sentence cut during the last Eid al-Fitr, meaning that he completed his sentence on Wednesday.

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