Artist Fahmi Reza says to be charged again with uploading ‘obscene’ graphic later this week

 

Activist Fahmi Reza arrives at the Kuala Lumpur High Court February 10, 2022. — Picture by Hari Anggara

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KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 14 — Satirist and graphic artist Fahmi Reza said today he will be charged a second time this week with uploading an “obscene” image with the intent to insult a person.

Taking to Twitter, Fahmi’s announcement comes barely a week after he claimed trial to a charge at the Sessions Court for a similar offence.

“Who thought a graphic artist could threaten those in power? As usual, I will continue to defend my freedom of speech by utilising satire and graphic arts as a weapon,” Fahmi wrote in an accompanying caption.

He did not reveal the offending graphic or state when exactly he will be charged.

However, Fahmi’s lawyer Rajsurian Pillai later confirmed that his client will be charged at the Sessions Court on February 17.

“Yes. Thursday, 9am KL,” he said when contacted.

According to the charge sheet, it is understood that the post in question was related to Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Adham Baba.

The post contains Malay text saying, “Get a 70 per cent discount on the mandatory quarantine period for international travellers”, followed by a “promo code” that contained an allegedly insulting phrase. - malaymail