Lance corporal charged with making obscene gestures at photographer

A lance corporal pleaded not guilty in the Magistrate’s Court today to a charge of outraging the modesty of a female photographer with an obscene gesture in December last year.

Faris Ariffin Tait, 33, was accused of committing the act against a 26-year-old woman in front of a building off Jalan Tun Razak at 3.58pm on Dec 13, 2024.

He was charged under Section 509 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of five years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.

Deputy public prosecutor Vivi’ Asnita Zaina’ Larifin proposed bail at RM7,000 with one surety.

However, Faris’ lawyer, Tripatjit Singh, appealed for a lower bail, saying that his client was a police officer and did not pose a flight risk.

“My client is financially responsible for his family, including his parents. His wife is unemployed, and they have a child. We request the court to impose the minimum bail amount,” said the lawyer.

Magistrate MS Arunjothy granted bail at RM3,500 with one surety and set May 14 for the case mention.

Previously, the photographer claimed in a social media post that a police officer repeatedly made obscene gestures at her while she was covering a human rights protest.

- Bernama

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