03-24-2024, 08:26 AM
LFL decries alleged double standards in prosecutions in socks controversy
![[Image: 92e212ef-zaid-malek-5124.jpg]](https://media.freemalaysiatoday.com/wp-content/uploads/2024/01/92e212ef-zaid-malek-5124.jpg)
LAWYERS for Liberty (LFL) group director Zaid Malek referred to the jailing and fines imposed on two individuals, namely Chiok Wai Loong and Ricky Shane Cagampang for their comments on the ‘Allah’ socks controversy, saying such actions reek of double standards.
“Why are ‘big shots’ and vigilantes allowed to walk free by fanning the flame on the socks bearing the word ‘Allah’ issue, while unknown individuals get jailed for commenting on the issue online,” he asked in a statement today.
He also stated the long sentencing of six months for a first-time offender is excessive, adding that “Courts must decide cases based upon facts and disregard the publicity surrounding a case. It is hoped that the High Court will step in under its revisionary jurisdiction to set aside the excessive sentence.”
He noted that Chiok, whose personal details were also leaked online, was not represented by a lawyer during his charge and questioned whether the National Legal Aid Foundation or the Bar Council Legal Aid Centre were informed if Chiok could not afford a lawyer.
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“Why are ‘big shots’ and vigilantes allowed to walk free by fanning the flame on the socks bearing the word ‘Allah’ issue, while unknown individuals get jailed for commenting on the issue online,” he asked in a statement today.
He also stated the long sentencing of six months for a first-time offender is excessive, adding that “Courts must decide cases based upon facts and disregard the publicity surrounding a case. It is hoped that the High Court will step in under its revisionary jurisdiction to set aside the excessive sentence.”
He noted that Chiok, whose personal details were also leaked online, was not represented by a lawyer during his charge and questioned whether the National Legal Aid Foundation or the Bar Council Legal Aid Centre were informed if Chiok could not afford a lawyer.
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