Deputy minister: Man who insulted Islam can appeal against 10-year jail term

A man sentenced to 10-years in jail for insulting Islam and Prophet Muhammad, can appeal for a lighter sentence said de facto deputy law minister Hanipa Maidin.

"The convicted offender can always file an appeal challenging the sentence if he or she is of the view that such a decision was manifestly excessive.

"He or she has a right to appeal twice," Hanipa told Malaysiakini.

He said since the case started at a magistrate's court, the man can file an appeal with the High Court, and if rejected, the final appeal can be made at the Court of Appeal.

Earlier today, inspector-general of police Mohamad Fuzi Harun revealed that a man named Alister Cogia, who is the holder of Facebook account 'Ayea Yea', was one of four individuals slapped with multiple charges in Kuching and Kuala Lumpur yesterday for insulting Islam and the prophet.

Alister had pleaded guilty to 10 charges under Section 298A of the Penal Code and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA) 1998, which deals with the posting of offensive comments and causing disharmony and prejudice on religious grounds.

The Kuching Sessions Court ordered that the sentence for each charge be carried out consecutively, resulting in an accumulative jail term of 10 years and 10 months.

Lawyers for Liberty executive director Latheefa Koya said the sentence was disproportionate, and called for it to be reviewed.

Hanipa said court decisions must be respected.

"But every person is entitled to give his view criticising the judgement so long such a criticism is not tantamount to contempt of court," he said. - Mkini