Sex bloggers Alvin Tan and Vivian Lee, who are in prison after failing to obtain bail, have filed for a revision in the High Court.
Their lawyer Chong Joo Tian said the appllication was filed today and hoped the matter could be heard next week.
"We have filed a revision on the refusal of the Sessions Court to offer bail to my clients and to challenge the decision to have a joint trial," he said.
A revision is a speedier way for the High Court to hear contentious issues instead of an appeal.
They have been charged under Section 5 of the Film Censorship Act 2002 for publishing indecent photographs online between July 6 and 7.
They have been charged under Section 5 of the Film Censorship Act 2002 for publishing indecent photographs online between July 6 and 7.
If found guilty, they can be fined not less than RM10,000 or not more than RM50,000 and/or face a jail term not exceeding five years.
The other charges thrown at them are Section 298A of the Penal Code for promoting enmity between different groups of religion or race and doing acts prejudicial to maintaining harmony, by publishing an offensive Ramadan greeting, which carries a minimum jail term of two years or a maximum of five years; and Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948 for posting seditious material through said offensive greeting which carries a maximum fine of RM5,000.
Sessions Judge Murtazadi Amran had allowed the prosecution to hold trial at one go although the offences were allegedly committeed under three different laws.
Chong said his clients would be prejudiced if a simulataneous hearing was held.
"We agree to a joint-trial under the Sedition Act and the Penal Code. The charge under the Film Censorship Act must be separate," he said. - July 19, 2013.
Post a Comment