Court sets trial dates for man accused of supporting Islamic State

 

The High Court judge set the dates after an agreement was reached between the deputy public prosecutor and defence lawyer.

KUALA LUMPUR: 

The High Court has fixed a 10-day trial, starting Feb 12 next year, to hear the case of a factory operator charged with three counts of supporting the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group, including producing explosive materials.

Justice Jamil Hussin set the dates after an agreement was reached between deputy public prosecutor Rullizah Abdul Majid and lawyer Hafiz Jalaludin, who is representing Aabid Zarkasi, 28.

“The court will hear the case from Feb 12 to 14, as well as March 3 to 6, and March 19 to 21, 2025. The next mention is Nov 28,” the judge said.

Earlier, Rullizah said the prosecution had submitted relevant case-related documents to the defence and that a total of 15 prosecution witnesses would testify at the trial.

Hafiz confirmed receipt of the documents and requested a mention date before the trial, indicating the need to review the documents and assess whether a representation was necessary.

Aabid was charged with providing support to IS by storing explosives intended for the group’s terrorist activities.

The charge was framed under Section 130J(1)(a) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of 40 years in prison or a fine, with the property used or intended for the commission of the offence subject to forfeiture, upon conviction.

For the second charge, he is accused of possessing nine videos and five PDF files on his mobile phone related to terrorist acts and IS.

This charge is framed under Section 130JB(1)(a) of the Penal Code, which allows for a maximum prison sentence of seven years or a fine, along with the forfeiture of property, if convicted.

As for the third charge, Aabid is alleged to have made explosives in preparation for committing a terrorist act, a charge framed under Section 130JD(1) of the Penal Code, which also provides for a maximum prison sentence of seven years and a fine upon conviction.

All three offences were allegedly committed at a house in Taman Serai Jaya, Bagan Serai, Perak between Jan 28 and May 15 of this year. - FMT