Tian Chua ordered to enter defence over seditious speech

The Sessions Court today ordered PKR vice-president Tian Chua to enter his defence for a sedition charge. Judge Abdul Rashid Daud made the decision after finding that the prosecution had succeeded in establishing a prima facie case against the accused. The court set two days for the defence trial, from April 25. Tian Chua or Chua Tian Chang, 53, was charged on May 29, 2013 with making a seditious statement at a public forum to incite the people to change the government through unlawful means. He allegedly committed the offence at the Kuala Lumpur and Selangor Assembly Hall at Nombor 1, Jalan Maharajalela, Dang Wangi between 8.55pm and 11.15pm on May 13, 2013. The charge, under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948 (Act 15), carries a maximum fine of RM5,000 or three years' jail, or both, upon conviction. The prosecution was represented by deputy public prosecutor Julia Ibrahim and the accused, by counsel New Sin Yew. – Bernama, February 24, 2016.]]>