Prosecution withdraws appeal against Rafizi’s acquittal

PUTRAJAYA: The prosecution withdrew its appeal yesterday against a High Court’s decision to acquit PKR vice- president Mohd Rafizi Ramli on a charge of intentionally insulting and provoking anger among Umno members through a statement four years ago.

Following this, Court of Appeal three- man bench comprising Datuk Ahmadi Asnawi, Datuk Abdul Rahman Sebli and Datuk Kamardin Hashim struck out the appeal.

Deputy public prosecutor Nik Syahril Nik Ab Rahman informed the court that the prosecution had filed the notice of discontinuance of its appeal on July 25.

Lawyer Haijan Omar who appeared for Mohd Rafizi did not object.

On Jan 26, 2016, Mohd Rafizi was fined RM1,800 in default 10 months’ jail by the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court, which found him guilty of insulting and causing anger among Umno members through a statement in an article titled ‘Will Rafizi quit if Selangor is not toppled?’ which could disrupt public peace.

Mohd Rafizi, 41, was alleged to have committed the offence at The Edge Malaysia Communication Sdn Bhd at Menara KLK, Jalan PJU 7/6, Mutiara Damansara, at 11.40 am on Feb 4, 2014.

The charge under Section 504 of the Penal Code provides for a jail term of up to two years or a fine, or both if convicted.

On July 13, last year, the Shah Alam High Court discharged and acquitted Mohd Rafizi of the charge after allowing his appeal to set aside his conviction and fine.

Hence, the prosecution filed an appeal at the Court of Appeal.