LAWYERS for Liberty (LFL) group director Zaid Malek referred to the jailing and fines imposed on two individuals, namely Chiok Wai Loong and Ricky Shane Cagampang for their comments on the ‘Allah’ socks controversy, saying such actions reek of double standards.

“Why are ‘big shots’ and vigilantes allowed to walk free by fanning the flame on the socks bearing the word ‘Allah’ issue, while unknown individuals get jailed for commenting on the issue online,” he asked in a statement today.

He also stated the long sentencing of six months for a first-time offender is excessive, adding that “Courts must decide cases based upon facts and disregard the publicity surrounding a case. It is hoped that the High Court will step in under its revisionary jurisdiction to set aside the excessive sentence.”

He noted that Chiok, whose personal details were also leaked online, was not represented by a lawyer during his charge and questioned whether the National Legal Aid Foundation or the Bar Council Legal Aid Centre were informed if Chiok could not afford a lawyer.

Leaking his personal details online also led to vigilante groups unlawfully tracking and intimidating him into making a confession.

“While Chiok was arrested, charged and swiftly jailed, what action has been taken against the vigilante group that took the law into their own hands and committed several potential offences?

“These include offences under Section 503 Penal Code for criminal intimidation, Section 505(b) for statements causing mischief and ironically, Section 233 of the CMA as well.

“Why are the police so quick to act against Chiok but have taken no action against this vigilante group? Is mob rule now permitted in Malaysia?”

He also questioned the lack of actions against “big political personalities” who are fuelling fire into the matter, saying a supply mistake has turned into a full-blown insult to Islam thanks to some political figures. - March 23, 2024

https://focusmalaysia.my/lfl-decries-alleged-double-standards-in-prosecutions-in-socks-controversy/