The Federal Territories Islamic Religious Department (Jawi) today withdrew its appeal against the discharge not amounting to an acquittal of Nik Raina Nik Aziz, an employee of the Borders bookstore, on a charge of distributing a book by controversial writer, Irsyad Manji, which was deemed un-Islamic.

A three-member panel of the Syariah Appeal Court, chaired by Md Yusup Che Teh, unanimously allowed the application by Jawi, represented by Syariah chief prosecutor Mohammad Adib Husain.

“After studying the application from the Syariah chief prosecutor, and no objection was raised by any parties, the court allows the application,” he added.

Nik Raina was given the discharge not amounting to an acquittal by Syariah Court judge Mohd Amran Mat Zain last Feb 26, and Jawi filed an appeal against the decision on March 9.

She was charged with distributing the book, ‘Allah, Kebebasan dan Cinta’ (Keberanian untuk menyelaraskan kebebasan dengan iman), which was an English translated version of the book ‘Allah, Liberty and Love’ (The courage to reconcile faith and freedom), written by Irshad Manji, on June 19, 2012.

The offence was allegedly committed at Borders Bookstore, owned by Berjaya Books Sdn Bhd, at The Gardens Mall, Mid Valley City, between 8.41pm and 9.45pm, on May 23, 2012.

The charge, under Section 13(1) of the Syariah Criminal Offences (Federal Territories) Act 1997, carries a maximum fine of RM3,000 or two years’ jail, or both, upon conviction.

- Bernama