The Court of Appeal today upheld lawyer P. Uthayakumar's conviction for writing a letter of a seditious nature to former British prime minister Gordon Brown but reduced his 30 months' jail sentence to 24 months.
A three-member panel chaired by Justice Datuk Aziah Ali said a lesser sentence was appropriate, thus the court varied the jail term to 24 months.
Following this decision, Uthayakumar who has been detained in Kajang prison since June 5, last year, will be released on Oct 3.
Justice Aziah, who sat with Justices Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof and Datuk Ahmadi Asnawi, dismissed Uthayakumar's final appeal over the conviction under the Sedition Act but allowed the lawyer a reduced sentence.
She said the court found the complaints by the appellant (Uthayakumar) on the conviction imposed by the Sessions Court judge to be without merit.
The panel made the ruling after hearing submissions from lawyer M. Manoharan, who represented Uthayakumar, and Deputy Public Prosecutor Azlina Rasdi, who appeared for the prosecution.
Since Uthayakumar's case originated at the Sessions Court, his last legal avenue ended in the Court of Appeal.
On June 5, last year the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court found Uthayakumar guilty on the charge of writing a letter of a seditious nature which was addressed to Gordon Brown, who was then Britain's prime minister, at 10 Downing Street, London, United Kingdom.
He was charged with committing the offence in Jalan Toman 7, Kemayan Square, Seremban, Negeri Sembilan on Nov 15, 2007 under Section 4(1)(a) of the Sedition Act 1948.
On Feb 18, this year, the High Court upheld the conviction and 30 months' jail sentence after rejecting Uthayakumar's appeal.
Bernama
Wed Sep 17 2014
REDUCED SENTENCE: Uthayakumar, a lawyer by profession, will be released from Kajang prison on Oct 3. - Filepic
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.