52 youths, mostly students, charged over illegal assembly

Charges stem from two videos which went viral last month, showing students celebrating Gang 24 in front of a school in Klang.

VIDEO INSIDE

KLANG: Fifty-two youths, mostly school students, were today charged at the Magistrate’s Court here, with taking part in an illegal assembly over two days near four schools.

While three of the accused pleaded guilty to the charges under Section 143 of the Penal Code, the other 49 claimed trial.

According to the charge sheet, they were said to have committed the offences between April 20 and 21 at the vicinity of four schools here, namely SMK Sri Andalas, SMK Raja Mahadi, SMK Kampung Jawa and SK Simpang Lima.

Thirty-three of the accused were represented by lawyers Gerard Lazarus, Dinesh Muthal, Dev Anand and SK Pari, while the other 19 were not represented.

Deputy public prosecutor Syed Farid Syed Ali conducted the prosecution.

The judge set July 6 for mention as well as the sentencing of the three students who pleaded guilty.

Last month, two videos went viral on social media, showing youths and students gathering in front of a school in Klang, holding banners and celebrating a gang known as Gang 24.

The gathering was said to be a common practice for the gang, which celebrates April 24 every year as a “significant day”.

Following this, on April 21, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Abu Bakar said his officers had arrested 18 people.

As of May 2, police said they had arrested 53 people for their alleged involvement. -FMT