Two MPs, Pakatan staffer to be charged over Black 505

Two opposition MPs and a Pakatan Rakyat staff member will be charged under the Peaceful Assembly Act (PAA) for their role in the Black 505 rally at Padang Merbok on June 22.

Aside from Seremban MP Anthony Loke and Pandan MP Rafizi Ramli, Pakatan Rakyat secretariat staff member Adib Ishar will also be hauled to court.

When contacted, lawyer Latheefa Koya said the trio are to be present at the Jalan Duta Court Complex on July 24 but have yet to be informed whether it will be a sessions or magistrate’s court.

Rafizi, whose statement was recorded at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters yesterday, said the charge  was in regard to the rally notice being incomplete.

"They (police) are saying that I basically did not meet the PAA requirements because I submitted the notice without giving proof that I had received approval from the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL)," he told Malaysiakini.

DBKL had refused to allow Padang Merbok as a venue for the rally despite the organisers of a marathon that initially wanted to use the field withdrawing their request.

If convicted, the trio could face a fine of up to RM10,000, and if the amount exceeds RM2,000, Rafizi and Loke risk being disqualified as MPs.