HR activist charged with screening ‘No Fire Zone’

19 September 2013 05:30 am - 9 - {{hitsCtrl.values.hits}}

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A Malaysian human rights activist claimed trial at the magistrate's court in Kuala Lumpur on Thursday to screening a documentary on the Sri Lankan civil war -No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka-without prior approval from the Film Censorship Board in Malaysia.

A.H. Lena Rasathi, 27, allegedly screened the documentary "No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka" which the Board have not approved for distribution or exhibition.

She allegedly screened the film at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall at Jalan Maharajalela, Dang Wangi here around 9pm on July 3.

On July 3, Lena, was arrested alongside two others, KOMAS executive director Arul Prakkash and one of the Board of Directors Anna Har during the screening of the film. The screening was raided by the Home Ministry (KDN), the Police and the Immigration Department.

The offence is punishable with a maximum RM30,000 fine, imprisonment up to three years, or both, under Section 6(2)(a) of the Film Censorship Act 2002.

Prosecuting officer Muhamad Husaini Rosli, from the Malaysian Home Ministry, applied for bail be set at RM5,000 with one surety.

Counsel New Sim Yew pleaded for the court to exercise its inherent power to release his client on a personal bond.

He said the prosecution has not shown that Lena is likely to abscond as she resides here with her family.

"She is a human rights activist for the last four years. It is her duty to fight state oppression.

"Let her word be her bond," he told the packed courtroom.

Lena is a Non-Discrimination Programme Coordinator with Pusat Komas, a human rights communications centre based in 8 Avenue, Jalan Sungai Jernih 8/1, Section 8, Petaling Jaya, Selangor.

Counsel New also told the court they would be filing an application at the High Court to strike out the charge against her.

PO Muhamad Husaini told the court that the prosecution would leave it to its discretion on whether to grant bail or release the accused on a personal bond.

Magistrate Ashraf Rezal Abdul Maman granted RM1,000 bail with one surety and fixed Oct 21 for mention for the handing over of documents, pre-trial conference and case management. (NST)

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Comments - 9

Abdul Thursday, 19 September 2013 07:50 AM

british took tamils to work in rubber estates during the colonial age. seems like their south indian habits will never change every after living as Malaysian citizens for generations.

Suq Madique Thursday, 19 September 2013 09:52 AM

Not an activist, just an opportunist trying to making a buck from the diaspora.

Ajithkumar Thursday, 19 September 2013 01:46 PM

How do you know she got money from Diaspora? and can you tell me how much she got ? Do you have proof? Its easy to accuse, without proof...

Saskia Thursday, 19 September 2013 01:59 PM

For you guys, those who speaks the human rights are either LTTE supporters or those who get money from diaspora. Anyway, you can deny as usual but International community is starting to believe the war crime allegations. Thats something promising for us.

hello Thursday, 19 September 2013 02:02 PM

Wonder how you know all this! I just wonder!!

ado Friday, 20 September 2013 01:13 AM

You must hear what the South Indian Tamils think of the southern Sri Lankans!

Suq Madique Friday, 20 September 2013 03:40 AM

hello, the same way LTTE sympathizers made claims against the SLA without any credible proof.

dd Friday, 20 September 2013 04:07 AM

why Muslim's of srilanka speaks Tamil. Have they come from middle east ? iF so people over middle east are they Tamil ?If you are a non middle eastian , then from where are you come from ???

Suq Madique Friday, 20 September 2013 05:54 AM

No one is denying only saying wait till inquiry is concluded to condemn anyone. You guys have already convicted the SLA based on mere third party unsubstantiated allegations and assumptions.

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HR activist charged with screening ‘No Fire Zone’

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