The High Court in Kuala Lumpur today upheld the conviction and five years' jail of two brothers who were found guilty of torching a church in Desa Melawati, in Kuala Lumpur, early last year.

Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah dismissed the appeal brought by Raja Mohamad Faizal Raja Ibrahim, 25, and Raja Mohamad Izham, 23.

Mohamad Zabidin said his decision to uphold the sentence meted out by a Sessions Court judge was made after studying submissions, testimony notes and judgment grounds.

However, he allowed an application from the two brothers for a stay of the sentence pending appeal.

On Aug 13, 2010, judge SM Komathy Suppiah meted out the sentence on Raja Mohamad Faizal and Raja Mohamad Izham after ruling that they had failed to raise reasonable doubts in their defence against the charge.

Raja Mohamad Faizal, a despatch rider, and Raja Mohamad Izham, a bank employee, had been charged with causing mischief by torching the Metro Tabernacle Church in Jalan 4/4C, Desa Melawati, at 11.50pm on Jan 7, 2010.

They were charged along with several others who are still at large.

The charge under Section 436 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same code, carries a maximum jail term of 20 years and fine upon conviction.

- Bernama