Ebit Lew has to enter his defence on 11 sexual harassment charges

 

INDEPENDENT preacher Ebit Irawan Ibrahim, or Ebit Lew, has been ordered to enter his defence on 11 sexual harassment charges, including allegations of sending obscene images and messages via WhatsApp between March and June 2021.

A key witness testified that Ebit exposed himself during video calls on multiple occasions, including during Ramadan, and pressured her for photos.

Magistrate Nur Asyraf Zolhani ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case, citing credible evidence from witnesses. Ebit, charged under Section 509 of the Penal Code, faces up to five years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both.

Ebit became very prominent during the COVID-19 lockdowns, sending aid to people in need. He also gained a large following on social media, with at least 1.9 million followers on a Facebook page.

He now faces 11 counts of sexual harassment, including outraging the modesty of a woman in her 40s.

The ninth witness in the case, a woman, told the Maginstrate’s court last year (Feb 13, 2024) that Ebit showed his private parts during video calls several times.

She said the incident took place on March 29, 2021, as well as in April and May of the same year, which was during the holy month of Ramadan.

“On March 29, he (Ebit) showed his genitals at that time and I managed to take a screenshot to give to my husband because when Ebit first gave the picture of his genitals, my husband did not believe.

“A few days later, I managed to convince my husband that it was Ebit because the picture he uploaded while in Africa used the same maroon‑coloured sarong.

“After telling my husband, I wanted to take action, but my husband prevented it because ‘we are nobody’.

“Then, when I told Ebit what my husband said, Ebit apologised, but he continues to WhatsApp me every few weeks,” she said during the main examination session.

She also said the preacher scolded her through the WhatsApp application because she refused to give him pictures of herself.

The court was also informed that Ebit told the witness that his wife refused to fulfil his sexual desires, which were too high.

This week, the Magistrate said the court found that the prosecution had established a prima facie case against the 41-year-old on all charges.

The preacher is charged under Section 509 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction. The court fixed Oct 13 to 16 for the defence stage of the trial.

Lawyer Datuk Ram Singh said the defence would call between seven and 10 witnesses. —  Focus Malaysia