Crackhouse Comedy Club owner files second representation in bid to quash charges

KUALA LUMPUR: Crackhouse Comedy Club owner Rizal Van Geyzel has filed a second representation to the Attorney General's Chambers (AGC) in his bid to quash his three charges relating to uploading offensive content on social media.

His lawyer M. Pravin informed the Sessions Court that the second representation was filed following a new development in the case.

He asked the court to vacate the trial dates fixed on April 14, May 2, 3 and 22 while awaiting the decision on the representation.

ALSO READ: AG's Chambers rejects representation from Crackhouse owner

"I will also be filing an application next month to obtain my client's passport as he will be performing umrah between May 5 and 29," Pravin said during case mention before Sessions Court judge N. Priscilla Hemamalini here on Thursday (April 6).

Deputy public prosecutor Noor Haslinda Che Seman confirmed that the representation letter was submitted to the AGC in the morning.

Priscilla then fixed May 31 for mention for an update on the representation.

She, however, maintained the May 1 and 2 trial dates that were fixed earlier.

On Jan 20, it was reported that the AGC rejected Rizal's first representation letter.

On July 22 last year, Rizal, whose full name is Mohd Rizal Van Geyzel, claimed trial to three counts of posting offensive content on his social media accounts.

ALSO READ: Crackhouse co-founder claims trial to three counts of posting offensive content

According to the charge sheet, Rizal was accused of uploading the content on his Facebook, Instagram and TikTok on July 4, 5 and 6 respectively with intention to annoy others.

The content was then viewed at the cyber and multimedia crimes investigation division of the Commercial Crime Investigation Department at Bukit Aman police headquarters on July 13.

Rizal was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, an offence punishable under Section 233(3) of the same Act.

He faces a maximum fine of RM50,000 or up to one year in jail if found guilty, and can be fined RM1,000 for each day the offence continues after conviction.