A-G: Alvivi tends to incite the public

(The Star) – Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail says the decision to pursue a case against sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee without offering bail is due to the couple’s tendency to incite the public.

The two were hit with a triple whammy of charges – under the Sedition Act, the Penal Code and the Film Censorship Act – in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court.

“Considering that they have a tendency to upload content that can incite public anger, the Attorney-General’s chambers is requesting that they not be granted bail leading up to their trial,” Abdul Gani Patail said in a statement.

He said the case was based on investigations into the couple posting a picture of themselves eating a bowl of bak kut teh (a pork dish) with a halal logo and a message wishing MuslimsSelamat Berbuka Puasa on their now shut down Facebook page.

Abdul Gani said the decision to charge the couple – jointly nicknamed Alvivi – was made following an incident where a man was beaten up by unknown assailants which is believed to be a consequence of the pair’s actions.

They were charged under subsection 5(1) of the Film Censorship Act 2002 (Act 620), Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15) and an alternative charge under Section 298A(1)(a) of the Penal Code.

The AG’s Chambers is requesting all parties to cease making statements or speculation on the case to avoid a “trial by media”.