Kayak instructor sentenced six years’ jail for managing terrorist assets

A kayak instructor was sentenced to six years’ jail by the High Court yesterday, when he pleaded guilty to a charge of managing the assets of a terrorist, Muhammad Wanndy Mohamed Jedi.

Judicial Commissioner Datuk Ab Karim Ab Rahman passed the sentence on Mohamad Jazrin Mohamad Azaha, 23 and ordered it to run from the date of his arrest on May 18, last year.

In passing sentence, Ab Karim said although Mohamad Jazrin had unintentionally managed the asset, it was still a serious offence as it had helped in terrorist activities.

“Your actions allowed (Muhammad) Wanndy to use your account, this is what is known as managing terrorist assets, your actions could encourage terrorists to continue their violent activities, this offence is serious and should be punished with a jail sentence,” he said.

Mohamad Jazrin had allowed money totalling RM1,990 to be deposited into an RHB account at RHB Bank, Number 67 and 69, Jalan Tasik at Gopeng in Kampar, Perak between Jan 30 and Feb 6, last year.

Mohamad Jazrin who appeared calm during sentencing was charged under Section 130Q(1) of the Penal Code, and could have been sentenced under the same provision with imprisonment up to 20 years or fined, and could be stripped of any assets.

According to the facts of the case, since early 2015, he became acquainted with a Malaysian, Muhammad Wanndy who was part of the Islamic State ( IS) terrorist group on Facebook, using the name Abu Jazrin/Mohamad Jazrin. In mid- January last year, the kayak instructor agreed to Muhammad Wanndy’s request that his bank account be used to keep donation money.

Mohamad Jazrin then accepted several deposits of funds and on Feb 10, 2016, he deposited RM2,000 into an individual Public Bank account under the name of Gulam Aman after receiving a message from Muhammad Wanndy. Counsel PA Sharon who represented Mohamad Jazrin urged the court to impose a light sentence as her client had repented and was studying religion while in prison.

“My client would like to return to his family as soon as possible, he is still young and has a chance to have a better future,” she said.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Izhanudin Alias urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence to prevent the spread of terrorist activities in the country. — Bernama