Man jailed 10 years for insulting Islam and prophet

(FMT) – A social media account owner has been sentenced to 10 years and 10 months’ jail, another pleaded guilty, and two others charged with insulting Islam and Prophet Muhammad, Inspector-General of Police Mohamad Fuzi Harun said today.

He said the charges against the four of them were made yesterday under Section 298A and Section 505 (c) of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

Alister Cogia, 22, owner of the “Ayea Yea” Facebook account, pleaded guilty to 10 charges in the Sessions Court in Kuching, Sarawak, and was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months’ jail.

Mohamad Yazid Kong Abdullah, 52, owner of the “Yazid Kong” Facebook account, also pleaded guilty after he was charged in the Criminal Sessions Court at the Jalan Duta Court Complex in Kuala Lumpur.

The court set March 11 to hear the facts of the case and for sentencing.

Two others, who were charged in the same court, pleaded not guilty.

Chow Mun Fai, 43, owner of the Twitter account @ ALVINCHOW333, faces eight charges. No bail was offered and the court set April 5 for mention.

Danny Antoni, 28, owner of the Facebook account “Danny A’antonio Jr”, pleaded not guilty to two charges. The court also set April 5 for mention.

Section 298A of the Penal Code is for causing disharmony, disunity or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill-will or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion.

Section 505(c) of the same code is for making, publishing or circulating any statement, rumour or report with intent to incite, or which is likely to incite, a person or persons to commit an offence against another person or persons.

Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 is for improper use of network facilities or network services.

In a statement, Fuzi advised the public not to abuse social media by uploading or sharing any form of provocation touching on religious or racial sensitivities.