Twenty five activists have been charged over the sit-in at the Federal Territories Customs Department headquarters on Monday, less than 48 hours after they were arrested.

The activist were charged at the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court under Section 21(1) (d) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, read together with Section 447 of the Penal Code for criminal trespass and not abiding by the police's orders to disperse.

All of them claimed trial and Sessions judge Yasmin Abdul Razak set bail at RM3,000, with one surety each, and fixed May 14 for mention.

If convicted, the group can be fined up to RM20,000.

Among those charged were two Kuala Kerai MP Dr Hatta Ramli ( right in photo ) and Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar.

On Monday, about 100 activists had gathered at the customs building to pose 106 questions to the GST information center.

However, they were denied entry by the police. Following this, the group staged a sit-in to demand for answers. After six hours, the police dispersed the group by force, resulting in 82 arrests.

Scores of supporters greeted the 25 individuals when they were brought to the courts at 11.45am

Eight lawyers were on hand to represent the accused. The court had to adjourn proceedings for 15 minutes to allow the lawyers to take instructions from the new clients.

All of the accused claimed trial, prompting the packed gallery to respond with hoots and cheers. Those in the gallery were then reprimanded by the judge.

CHAI JIAN MEI is a trainee reporter at Malaysiakini .