In a surprising turn at the Magistrate's Court, a witness disclosed that well-known preacher Ebit Irawan Ibrahim Lew, popularly referred to as Ebit Lew, made a video call to her while shirtless. This significant revelation came to light during Ebit Lew’s sexual harassment trial, adding a new layer of intensity to the proceedings.
The complainant, a woman in her 40s and the prosecution’s ninth witness, testified that the video call occurred after nearly three weeks of communication through text messages and voice calls. This testimony was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Zahida Zakaria, who meticulously guided the witness through her account.
According to the witness, the incident happened on March 22, 2021, at 11:35 am. Despite her persistent refusal to accept the video call, Ebit Lew continued to try. She recounted, "He kept calling, and I kept rejecting the calls. In his text, he asked why I wasn't answering and said, 'this isn't fair.' I remember distinctly that he was shirtless when he made that video call."
The witness detailed that their initial contact began on March 3, 2021, after she shared her phone number with Ebit Lew via Instagram. He called her the following day, and the conversation lasted four minutes and 51 seconds. She recognized his voice from his social media posts, talks, and live broadcasts.
During their initial conversation, Ebit Lew asked about her personal life, including her family, job, and the issues she was facing. The witness explained that she was interested in his programs and thus shared details about her personal life. However, what began as a supportive exchange quickly took a troubling turn.
Between March 3 and March 29, 2021, Ebit Lew's messages and phone calls became increasingly explicit and sexually suggestive. The prosecution presented evidence to corroborate these claims, including a document from Celcom verifying the call details and a Digital Forensic Case Report from Cyber Security Malaysia. This report included the explicit message exchanges between the witness and Ebit Lew.
Ebit Lew, aged 38, is currently facing 11 charges of outraging the modesty of the complainant by sending obscene words and images to her phone via WhatsApp. These charges are under Section 509 of the Penal Code, which stipulates a maximum penalty of five years in prison, a fine, or both upon conviction.
The courtroom atmosphere was tense as the witness described how Ebit Lew’s messages evolved from initial empathy and concern to explicit sexual content, causing her significant distress.
The prosecution bases its case on the witness's consistent and credible testimony, supported by digital forensic evidence. The trial is set to continue, with additional witnesses expected to testify about their interactions with Ebit Lew.
The public is closely following this high-profile case, which has cast a shadow over the once-revered preacher's reputation. The trial, resuming on Tuesday, May 21, is anticipated to reveal further details as the court seeks to determine the truth behind the allegations against Ebit Lew.
This case underscores the complexities surrounding power, influence, and potential misconduct by prominent figures. The outcome of this trial may have far-reaching implications, not only for Ebit Lew but also for broader societal discussions on accountability and justice in cases involving public personalities. As the proceedings progress, the court will continue to examine the evidence carefully, aiming to reach a fair and just verdict based on the presented facts.
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