The High Court imposed a gag order on blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, also known as Papagomo, prohibiting him from making any statements or comments related to the sedition charge he is currently facing.
Judge Datuk Noorin Badaruddin granted the prosecution's request to review the Sessions Court's prior decision, which had denied the application for a gag order. "The prosecution's application for a gag order is approved, preventing the respondent (Wan Muhammad Azri) from making any remarks or comments about the charge until the case is resolved," Judge Noorin stated.
Earlier, Deputy Public Prosecutor Datin Kalmizah Salleh emphasized the necessity of the gag order to avoid public unrest that could be triggered by comments regarding the case. "We sought a gag order because the case involves His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim, the King of Malaysia," she explained.
In response, Wan Muhammad Azri’s lawyer, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, argued against the review, asserting that the prosecution's application lacked specific details about how public order would be affected without the gag order.
Wan Muhammad Azri, 41, pleaded not guilty to the charge of posting seditious content against His Majesty Sultan Ibrahim on his X account (formerly known as Twitter) during a court appearance on May 2. The alleged offense took place at a condominium in Bukit Bintang, Kuala Lumpur, at noon on April 29.
The charge against Wan Muhammad Azri is framed under Paragraph 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948, punishable under subsection 4(1) of the same Act. If convicted, he faces a maximum fine of RM5,000 or imprisonment for up to three years, or both.
The case has drawn significant public attention due to the high-profile nature of the individuals involved. The prosecution argued that the gag order was crucial to maintain public order and avoid any potential influence on the judicial process through public opinion or media coverage.
This legal development underscores the tension between free speech and judicial fairness, especially in cases involving prominent figures. The court's decision reflects an effort to balance these concerns while ensuring that the legal process proceeds without external interference or undue influence.
As the case progresses, the gag order will remain in effect, limiting public commentary from the accused until the court reaches a verdict. This measure aims to preserve the integrity of the judicial process and prevent any potential disruptions arising from public discourse on the matter.
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