The five Universiti Malaya students charged in the 'Rosmah-in-graffiti' case were acquitted of all charges when the prosecution failed to prove a prima facie case against them in the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today.

rosmah in graffiti case universiti malaya student activists walk free Mohd Syahruldeen Ahmad Rosli, Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin, Muhammad Aizat Roslan, Muhammad Saufi Jelani and Mohd Izzudin Helmi Mohd Zaini were charged under section 427 with pouring petrol on the red carpet on the eve of Prime Minister's wife Rosmah Mansor's visit to the campus.

They also faced charges under the same section with vandalising a lecture hall on June 24, 2009 at 4am with the words 'pembunuh Altantuya' (Altantuya's murderer) and 'bini puaka' (evil wife).

The students were also charged under section 436 and 447 for committing arson and trespass at the same time and place.

rosmah in graffiti case universiti malaya student activists Speaking to reporters later, the five students thanked the about 60 students - some of whom came all the way from Johor defying warnings from their university authorities - who were present to show support.

"We are grateful for this decision and it proves that the truth prevails.

"We would also like to thank the public for following the case and hope this creates more awareness about student issues in the country," said Shazni Munir.

Banner not allowed

rosmah in graffiti case universiti malaya student activists shouting match He also hoped that the same support would be shown for the four UKM students facing charges under the University and University Colleges Act for allegedly participating in the Hulu Selangor by-election campaign.

Earlier, a shouting match ensued between a media photographer and court security official when the latter accused the press of politicising the case ( above ).

The police had also stopped the students from holding up a banner outside the court compound, claiming this was illegal anywhere in the country.

rosmah in graffiti case universiti malaya student activists women Asked by the students which law stated this, the officer said: "You're a student so go and check your books and learn".

Another banner which read ‘ Kebebasan Mahasiswa ’ (Freedom for Undergraduates) was spotted along Jalan Duta.

Also present were the parents of the five students some of whom were in tears following the verdict.

'No evidence'

rosmah in graffiti case universiti malaya student activists with mother In her judgment, Rozana said the prosecution failed to prove that the five had committed mischief by fire as there were no evidence which identified the flammable material used in the alleged arson.

"It was not proven whether the material used was petrol or whether the scribbling marks on the wall of the premises were made by the students," she said.

Rozana also said that there were no direct evidence to show that the students were in the area at the time of the incident.

Nineteen prosecution witnesses were called during the trial.

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