Political cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwar Ul Haque, popularly known as Zunar expressed his gratitude to the late Harry Belafonte for his support when the former was charged under Sedition Act in 2015.
Belafonte, a singer, actor and activist who broke down racial barriers in the US, passed away yesterday due to congestive heart failure. He was 96.
"Belafonte stood up to support me by releasing a statement with Amnesty International.
"The support was very meaningful for me," said Zunar (above).
In Belafonte's statement, he said that in all his life, he used his art to fight for social justice and when he sees freedom of expression come under serious attack (Zunar's case), he must act immediately.
Belafonte added that he was proud to lend his voice to demand justice for Zunar.
Zunar faced nine charges under the Sedition Act and a possible 43 years imprisonment for his attempts to highlight corruption and abuse of power committed by the then BN government.
The late Belafonte had won three Grammy Awards including a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, an Emmy Award and a Tony Award.
He was known as the King of Calypso and best known for songs like Day-O (The Banana Boat Song), Jamaica Farewell and Mary's Boy Child.
He was also prominent as an activist in the 1960s, speaking out and providing financial support for civil rights progress, particularly for minorities in segregated America. - Mkini
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