The Penang High Court has issued a gag order against activist Arun Doraisamy prohibiting him from making public statements regarding the ongoing murder trial of T Nhaveen.
According to Bernama, judicial commissioner Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid in his ruling yesterday said that every statement made by Arun (above), whether on social media or in public, would affect the trial.
Therefore, he said Arun is prohibited from making public statements on social media or using any other medium, in oral or written form, until disposal of the case.
“This court recognises that you have the right to freedom of speech and expression, however, every statement must have an element of responsibility. This is an ongoing trial, you cannot make a pre-judgment during the trial.
“The public must remain confident and respectful of the functions of the court and judicial power. Failure to comply with the order is an insult to the court,” he added.
The prosecution, led by state prosecution director Khairul Anuar Abdul Halim, comprises deputy public prosecutors Mohd Amril Johari, Yazid Mustaqim Roslan and Noor Azura Zulkiflee, while Arun was represented by counsel Arun Ganesh Boopalan.
Arun had been commenting on the case after forming the pressure group Nhaveen Action and Investigation League (Nail).
Shanti Dorairaj, Nhaveen's mother, told Malaysiakini in June that she was worried and puzzled over the gag order bid on Arun and confirmed that she had authorised him to speak on behalf of the family to pursue justice for her beloved son.
Arun also gained prominence as the leader of the Indira Gandhi Action Team (Ingat) which has taken up the cause of finding M Indira Gandhi’s missing daughter Prasana Diksa in a long-running case.
Nhaveen died after he was reportedly harassed and attacked by teenagers, including a former schoolmate, on his way home with his friend T Previin on the night of June 9, 2017.
Nhaveen was abducted, while Previin managed to escape and fled to Nhaveen's home for help. Nhaveen was found with serious injuries the next morning.
After being sent to the hospital for emergency treatment, he passed away on June 15, 2017.
Four have been charged with his murder, two of whom were minors at the time of the crime. The Penang High Court started the trial on May 5 this year. - Mkini
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