The case underscores growing concern about religious freedom in this mostly Muslim nation, where Islamic Shariah courts — which govern the personal conduct and religious lives of Muslims — have invariably refused to sanction the conversion of people who try to leave Islam.

A Shariah High Court judge in eastern Terengganu state ruled Monday that Kamariah Ali is still a Muslim despite her declaration to the contrary.

“The court is not convinced that the accused has repented and is willing to abandon any teachings contrary to Islam,” news reports quoted Judge Muhammad Abdullah as saying. “I pray God will open the doors of your heart, Kamariah.”

Court officials could not be reached for comment Tuesday, a state holiday.

Last month, Kamariah, 57, was convicted of declaring herself an apostate after she and 58 others were arrested in July 2005 for following the teachings of the banned Sky Kingdom, a local sect claiming to promote interfaith harmony.

Kamariah’s lawyer, Sa’adiah Din, said her client, who started serving her sentence Tuesday, insists she is no longer a Muslim and has instructed her to appeal the conviction and verdict.

“She informed the court that she is not a Muslim,” Sa’adiah told The Associated Press. “She doesn’t come under Shariah court anymore.”

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