Fahmi arrested for sedition over 'sultan' Mojo Jojo artwork
Graphic artist and designer Fahmi Reza has been arrested by police for sedition in connection with his drawing of a chimpanzee cartoon character dressed akin to a sultan.
His lawyer Rajsurian Pillay told Malaysiakini that Fahmi was taken into custody by a police team from Bukit Aman Classified Criminal Investigation Unit at 4.20pm after giving his statement at the Dang Wangi police headquarters.
"The police also seized a phone...
Graphic artist and designer Fahmi Reza has been arrested by police for sedition in connection with his drawing of a chimpanzee cartoon character dressed akin to a sultan.
His lawyer Rajsurian Pillai told Malaysiakini that Fahmi was taken into custody by a police team from Bukit Aman Classified Criminal Investigation Unit at 4.20pm after giving his statement at the Dang Wangi police headquarters.
"The police also seized a phone and sim card from Fahmi. He is being investigated over yesterday's Facebook post.
"The case is being investigated under Section 4 of the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act," said Rajsurian in a text message.
According to the legal counsel, the police are expected to apply for a remand order against Fahmi tomorrow morning.
Summoned by Bukit Aman
Earlier today, Fahmi announced on Facebook that he was summoned by Bukit Aman to give a statement over his latest satire artwork.
"I have received a call from a Bukit Aman police (officer). It has not been even 15 hours and the police have already opened an investigation paper under the #AktaHasutan and #AktaSakitHati over my #beruk satire graphic which I posted last night.
"The police asked me to be present at a police station this very evening. See you soon PDRM!" Fahmi (above) said on a Facebook post this afternoon.
He was referring to the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Fahmi yesterday posted on social media a drawing of chimpanzee Mojo Jojo, the villain character from “The Powerpuff Girls” cartoon show, being dressed in attire and headgear akin to a sultan.
About three hours later, the artist posted a statement across his social media accounts, including in the comment section of the chimpanzee drawing, saying in general that those who can accept satirical works which equalise others to an ape should accept it when the similar thing is done towards them.
While Fahmi did not mention anyone in specific, it is believed that he was responding to news of Selangor ruler Sultan Sharafuddin Idris Shah purchasing a painting that depicts MPs as monkeys, apes, and frogs.
Caricature sparked anger, cops say
Meanwhile, Bukit Aman in a statement confirmed that Fahmi has been arrested to facilitate an investigation into the drawing.
Criminal Investigation Department director Abd Jalil Hassan said Fahmi's caricature of a "monkey clad in yellow-coloured royal uniform” has received over 12,000 responses online and sparked anger among netizens.
"I confirm that he has been arrested in Dang Wangi, and police will apply for a remand order in court tomorrow," he said.
Jalil also advised the public to be more sensitive toward issues that touch on the country's royals, religion and race.
"People are urged to use social media wisely and be prudent online, and not abuse the platform to disrupt public order and peace.
"Stern action will be taken without any compromise against any individual who deliberately disrupts safety and order,” he added.
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