Malaysiakini
Syed Jaymal Zahiid | Jan 17, 08
Ten supporters of polls reform group Bersih were today charged with illegal assembly by breaching a police ban to gather at the Parliament building on Dec 11.
Several opposition leaders were among those in the dock at the Jalan Duta Magistrate’s Court in Kuala Lumpur.
All 10 claimed trial and bail was set at RM1,000 each. The hearing will take place from June 23 to 26.
They were charged under Section 27 of the Police Act which stipulates the need for a police permit to gather in a public place.
If found guilty, they face a fine between RM2,000 and RM10,000 or imprisonment of not more than a year.
Among the opposition leaders charged were PAS treasurer Dr Hatta Ramli, the party’s central committee member Dr Lo’Lo’ Ghazali and Parti Sosialis Malaysia pro-tem chairperson Dr Nasir Hashim.
They were represented by a defence team of six counsels.
Intentional provocation
Meanwhile, another Bersih supporter Norazimah Mohd Noor was charged under Section 504 of the Penal Code with allegedly provoking a police officer on the same day.
According to the charge sheet, Norazimah had allegedly provoked Public Safety Division and Kuala Lumpur Traffic chief ACP K Kumaran with the knowledge that her action would cause the police officer to disrupt public security (right).
Norazimah was also given the option to plead guilty to a separate charge under section 14 of the Minor Offences Act – for calling Kumaran kurang ajar (you are rude) and sombong (you are arrogant.)
For the first charge, if found guilty, she faces a maximum two-year jail sentence or a fine or both. As for the second charge, Norazimah could be slapped with a fine amounting to RM100.
Norazimah claimed trial and Magistrate Aizatul Akmal Maharani set bail at RM800. Trial was set for Dec 17 to 18 this year.
Some 30 Bersih supporters had gathered outside the Parliament building to submit a memorandum protesting the constitutional amendment to extend the retirement age of election commissioners.
Last week, PKR information chief Tian Chua was charged with causing injury to a policeman when resisting arrest during the protest.