Zamri Vinoth’s trial set for April after representation rejected

Independent preacher Zamri Vinoth will stand trial in April next year over a Facebook post about a gathering involving “illegal temples”, after the Attorney-General’s Chambers rejected his bid to have the charge reviewed.

During case management today, deputy public prosecutor Nur Farhana Poad informed the magistrates’ court that Zamri’s representations had been rejected.

The court was not furnished with details of the representations, nor the reasons for their rejection.

Nur Farhana told magistrate Faezahnoor Hassan that the prosecution would call up to seven witnesses to testify against the 41-year-old preacher.

The court then fixed April 21 to 22 for trial and extended Zamri’s bail.

At a press conference later, Zamri said he viewed the outcome positively and was grateful for it, as it gave him an opportunity to explain his case and the Anti-Illegal House of Worship Movement, or Garah, which he coordinates.

“We will stand by the rule of law and hope that justice prevails,” he said.

On March 17 this year, Zamri was charged with making a Facebook post on Feb 3 in connection with a gathering involving “illegal temples”.

He was charged under Section 505(b) of the Penal Code, which covers statements made with the intent of causing fear or alarm to the public. The offence carries a maximum jail term of two years, a fine or both.