Six acquitted of #KitaLawan rally charges
KUALA LUMPUR: The sombre and straitlaced proceedings usually associated with courts acquired a lively and carnivallike atmosphere at the magistrate’s court here yesterday.
This was after two Perak state assemblymen and four others were acquitted over a charge of obstructing civil servants from discharging their duty during an illegal rally two years ago.
The six acquitted were Simpang Pulai assemblyman Tan Kar Hing and Teja assemblyman Chang Lih Kang, both from PKR, together with Chee Chu Sang, N. Tamilarason, Yong Ming Chong, and Gan Zhi You.
Some 30 PKR supporters who sat at the public gallery cheered and clapped when magistrate Nur A’minahtul Mariah Md Nor acquitted the six, after the defence raised reasonable doubt against the prosecution’s case here yesterday.
The six were charged with preventing Kuala Lumpur City Hall officer Mohd Haryadi Mohd Nor and his team from carrying out their duties during the #KitaLawan rally near Dataran Merdeka on March 27, 2015.
They were charged under Section 186 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum of two years’ imprisonment, or RM10,000 or both, upon conviction.
Chee was also acquitted of using criminal force to stop City Hall officer Mat Fuad Yusoff, from carrying out his duties at the same place, time, and date.
He was charged under Section 353 of the Penal Code, which carries two years’ jail or a fine or both, upon conviction.
Deputy public prosecutor Nurakmal Farhan Aziz said that they might file an appeal on the decision at the High Court.
The six were represented by Eric Paulsen and Mohd Haijan Omar.
Present during the proceedings were PKR president Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and vice-president Tian Chua.