Australian pastafarian who wears colander on head reveals arrest warrant issued by Indonesian police over alleged ‘mocking’ of religion
A man who wears a colander on his head as part of his religion has announced that Indonesian authorities have issued an arrest warrant for him for allegedly “mocking accepted religions”.
Far North Queensland resident Syaban Shadikillah attracted national attention due to media reports about his strange hats, which led to a dispute over a licensing photo showing him wearing the kitchen gadget.
Mr. Shadikillah is a “Pastafarian”; He is a follower of the satirical religion known as the Church of the Flying Spaghetti Monster.
The Cairns Post reported that she was questioned repeatedly by authorities for wearing a colander, but authorities accepted her claim that the headscarf is considered the same type of religious headwear as a headscarf or turban.
Under Queensland law, hats are prohibited in driver’s license photographs unless for religious reasons; In this case, the hat needs to be adjusted to show the “full facial features” from the bottom of the chin to the top of the forehead.
Pastafarianism is legally recognized as a religion in Australia; Mr Shadikillah’s license was therefore deemed invalid, the Cairns Post reported.
“There is a religious exemption here,” Mr. Shadikillah told the press.
“Everyone is equal before the law.
“If you are giving exemption to Muslims and the Sikh community, why not give this exemption to everyone?
“That’s the point. It’s basically a political issue.”
Speaking to A Current Affair on Wednesday, Mr Shadikillah revealed his license had been seized by the Queensland Department of Transport and Main Roads, only for the department to return it and instruct him to have a new photo taken.
“This is fundamentally discrimination, that’s how I see it,” he told the programme.
“This is not Indonesia, Iran or Pakistan; this is Australia.”
While Mr. Shadikillah’s media appearance sparked a wave of support from fellow Pastafarians, the poultry worker revealed that Indonesian police had issued a warrant for his arrest in his country, accusing him of mocking recognized religions.
Mr. Shadikillah currently faces up to five years in prison in Indonesia.
“I think Indonesia is no longer safe for me,” he told A Current Affair, adding his family were “worried” for his safety.
The program reports that the federal government is considering obtaining a protection visa to allow Mr. Shadikillah to stay.
Mr Shadikillah first told The Cairns Post that he was considered a fugitive in his hometown after converting to Islam.
“I am actually a fugitive in the country,” he said.
“Anyone who utters blasphemous words against any official religion in Indonesia can be sentenced to five years in prison.
“That’s why I’m staying here.”
