13 jailed for protesting against Perak coup

For demonstrating against the Perak coup in 2009, 13 individuals were jailed this morning after Judge Norsalha Hamzah found them guilty under Section 145 of the Penal Code for participating in the rally dubbed “Ops Bubar” in front of Masjid Ubudiah in Bukit Chandan, Kuala Kangsar on February 6, 2009.

The 13 were among 5,000 Pakaran Rakyat supporters that turned up to protest against the swearing in of Zambry Abdul Kadir as the new Perak Menteri Besar, replacing PAS’ Nizar Jamaluddin following a power grab by BN.

A two years’ jail sentence and RM5,000 fine were imposed on them. Norsalha had also refused to grant stay of execution and ordered the sentence to start consequently.

In an immediate reaction, PAS Youth chief Nasrudin Hassan expressed grave disappointment over the verdict and urged defence lawyers to file appea limmediately.

“They are not criminals. Instead, their history was to rise to oppose the undemocratic takeover of Perak government in 2009. They were fighting for rights. But today, their struggle was repaid with fines and jail sentences,” he wrote on Facebook.

Defence counsel Zamri Ibrahim said an appeal would be filed with the High Court soon. -HD