A group of PSM members led by committee member S Arutchelvan today submitted a memorandum to the Chief Justice of Malaysia Arifin Zakari over the denial of bail to activist Khalid Mohd Ismath.

Khalid was slapped with 11 charges under the Communications and Multimedia Act and three charges under the Sedition Act in relation to his posting regarding Johor royalty.

He was then denied bail on grounds that he may flee the country.

Also present were Khalid's parents, Mohd Ismath Habib Mohamad and Faridah Abdull, Khalid's wife, Nadzirah Yaakop and their one year old daughter (photo) .

Showing placards read "Free Khalid", "Sedition act, ancient act", "Today Khalid becomes victim under Despotic Act, tomorrow may be your turn", the group demonstrated peacefully outside the Federal Court in Putrajaya before handing over the memo.

An officer from the Federal Court security unit came out and received the memorandum.

It was jointly signed by 36 organisations, including Solidarity Anak Muda Malaysia (Samm), Pusat Komas, Suaram, Projek Dialog, Demi Malaysia, Otai Reformis 1998, Johor Yellow Flame.

The decision of the Sessions Court to deny Khlaid bail was a serious violation of his human rights, the group pointed out.

"The 'innocent till proven guilty' principle has been violated. It gives a bad signal to the right to freedom which is guaranteed under the federal constitution," the memorandum read.

They also accused the police of trying to force Khalid into pleading guilty by saying that only then could he meet his family.

"We look at this matter seriously as we believe no detainee should be forced to admit to charges.

"This is also against the Section 112 of Criminal Procedure Code (CPC) which says the detainee has the right to remain silent," they said.

Posting to be revealed

Arutchelvan said they would pursue the matter at the High Court for a revision of the decision to deny Khalid bail.

"There are two hundred people charged under Sedition Act in this country. Do you want to deny them bail as well?" he queried.

What Khalid posted on social media were not seditious, he argued, adding that all the postings are related to one issue thus it was ridiculous to frame several charges against him.

On the contrary,the content of Khalid's posting was general without specifically criticising anyone, said Arutchelvan adding the actual content of the posting would be revealed soon.

Khalid, a PSM member, was actively involved in student activism.