Artist-activist remanded for a day, group gathers in solidarity
Artist-activist Fahmi Reza has been remanded for one day over alleged sedition and expected to be released later this evening, according to his lawyers.
During the remand hearing at Dang Wangi district police station where Fahmi was detained overnight, the police had applied for four days remand, but magistrate Nitya Ravindran only granted one, said lawyer Rajsurian Pillai...
Artist-activist Fahmi Reza has been remanded for one day over alleged sedition and expected to be released later this evening, according to his lawyers.
During the remand hearing at Dang Wangi district police station where Fahmi was detained overnight, the police had applied for four days remand, but magistrate Nitya Ravindran only granted one, said lawyer Rajsurian Pillai.
"There were three reasons given by the police - to take his photograph, fingerprints and record statement.
"We argued that those could be done in several hours. After listening to the arguments, the learned magistrate decided to grant one day remand," said Rajsurian, who was accompanied by another lawyer Yohendra Nadarajan.
Rajsurian said Fahmi would have his statement recorded at noon today by the investigating officer in charge from Bukit Aman's classified crimes unit.
"We are optimistic he will be released on police bail...no later than 5pm or 6pm today," he added.
Earlier, a group of some 20 people gathered outside the Dang Wangi district police station this morning in solidarity with Fahmi.
Among those present include Lembah Pantai MP Fahmi Fadzil, who quipped that he took the time before a constituency engagement to be in solidarity with his namesake.
The PKR communications chief also recounted an incident in 2004 when he was arrested alongside Fahmi and taken to Pudu jail in connection with a peaceful demonstration against alleged police brutality.
Meanwhile, fellow activist Khalid Ismath also noted that some of them had gathered at the same spot nine years ago when Fahmi was detained for a separate investigation.
"To all gathered here, please observe social distancing because otherwise, the police said they would issue compounds," said Khalid in addressing the crowd who stood across the street from the police station.
With a key message demanding his immediate release, the group today also carried placards with signs protesting the use of the Sedition Act, while others hit out at the royal institution.
Fahmi was detained last night for a jealousy-theme Spotify playlist that was allegedly insulting to the Raja Permaisuri Agong Tunku Hajah Azizah Aminah Maimunah Iskandariah, police confirmed.
Based on the links provided by Bukit Aman CID chief Huzir Mohamed in a statement late last night, the playlist originally featured a portrait of the queen along with the words “This is Dengki Ke?”
The playlist featured 101 English and Malay songs by various artists, nearly all of which were jealousy themed.
The investigation under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act is being conducted by the Bukit Aman Classified Criminal Investigation Unit, according to Huzir.
