Blog writer acquitted of offensive post charges

A Malaysian blog writer, Jufazli Shi Ahmad, has been cleared of charges for making offensive social media posts targeting former Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob and UMNO. The High Court dismissed the prosecution's appeal, upholding a prior decision by the Sessions Court to acquit Jufazli without him needing to present a defense.

Judge Datuk Aslam Zainuddin stated that after reviewing the appeal records and arguments, the court found no reason to overturn the Sessions Court's ruling. The prosecution had appealed the October 18, 2024, decision that acquitted Jufazli, 37, of the charges.

Jufazli had faced accusations of making and initiating offensive communications via YouTube, intending to cause distress, on June 27, 2022. The offensive video link was reportedly viewed on July 1, 2022. These charges were brought under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which carries a maximum penalty of a RM50,000 fine, a one-year prison sentence, or both. He also faced a charge for failing to provide his YouTube account password to police on July 5, 2022, under Section 249 of the same act, which carries a potential fine of up to RM100,000 or a two-year prison sentence.

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After reading the appeal record, the Sessions Court judge's grounds of judgment, and the arguments of both parties, this court dismisses the appellant's appeal and upholds the Sessions Court judge's decision to acquit and discharge the appellant.