KUALA KANGSAR: A trader has been acquitted of charges related to spreading false news about a policeman's death allegedly caused by the Covid-19 vaccine three years ago at the Sessions Court here.
Judge Rohaida Ishak ordered the release of Muhammad Zaki Omar, 39, after the defence successfully raised reasonable doubts about the prosecution's case.
The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Muhammad Firdaus Nor Azlan and Datin Yasinnisa Begam Seeni Mohideen, while the accused was represented by lawyer Asiah Jalil.
On July 13, 2021, Muhammad Zaki, an anti-vaccine activist, was charged under Section 4(1) of the Emergency Ordinance (No. 2) in absentia at the Kuala Kangsar Sessions Court, as he was then working in Singapore and unable to return due to closed borders during the Covid-19 pandemic. An arrest warrant was issued against him.
On Aug 2, 2021, Muhammad Zaki was brought to the Kuala Kangsar Sessions Court, where he pleaded not guilty and was granted bail of RM10,000 with two sureties.
On Dec 2, 2022, the court initially ordered his release after the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case. However, the prosecution appealed to the Taiping High Court, which on July 7 last year allowed the appeal and ordered Muhammad Zaki to defend himself at the Kuala Kangsar Sessions Court.
He was charged under Section 4(1) of the Emergency (Essential Powers) (No. 2) Ordinance 2021, which prescribes a maximum fine of RM100,000, up to three years of imprisonment, or both; for a continuing offence, further fines not exceeding RM1,000 per day may apply. – Bernama
