The notorious Datuk T trio has finally been charged in the Magistrates court for possession and distribution of pornography, spurring immediate and angry public reaction that Prime Minister Najib Razak was again shielding the three UMNO members who are believed to be part of a conspiracy to destroy Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim.
It is not known yet how the trio will plead. Magistrate Aizatul Akmal Maharani has allowed a short break for defence lawyers to consult with the three men. If found guilty, they can be fined and/or jailed for up to 3 years.
"That's it? That's the charge? What about criminal intimidation, blackmail? How come those people who helped organised the press conference not in the list?" asked Bukit Lanjan assemblywoman Elizabeth Wong on her Twitter site.
Lightest charges
The trio are businessman Shazryl Eskay Abdullah, former Malacca chief minister Rahim Thamby Chik and Perkasa treasurer Shuaib Lazim. Eskay and Rahim were jointly charged for possession and distribution of pornography under Section 292(a) of the Penal Code, while Shuaib Lazim was charged for being an accessory to the alleged crime under section 109 of the Penal Code.
The three men had organized a press conference, inviting journalists and editors to view the tape which shows a man purportedly resembling Anwar having sex with a female prostitute. In Malaysia, it is illegal to possess or to publicly show pornographic material.
The trio were well supported by a crew of assisstants that many reporters claim were from the police Special Branch. After showing the tape, the men gave Anwar and his wife Wan Azizah a week to resign from politics, or they would make public the video.
The 64-year old Anwar has denied any involvement and had a police complaint, citing criminal intimidation. On Thursday, he said he only expected the mildest charges would be preferred against the trio.
MORE TO COME
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