Seri Setia assemblyman charged with illegally organising 'Blackout 505'

Seri Setia assemblyman Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad was charged in the Sessions Court here today with organising an illegal rally, 'Blackout 505', two years ago.

However, counsel Shah Redzan Johan objected to any record of plea by the accused, submitting certain facts to the court as a justification.

Judge Azwarnida Apandi then ordered counsel to file a proper objection for the accused against the charge, to enable the prosecution to give an appropriate response.

Nik Nazmi, 33, a Selangor exco and Parti Keadilan Youth chief was charged for the third time today with the same offence.

First charged on May 17, 2013, he filed an application to set aside the charge, which was rejected by the High Court in Shah Alam on Nov 1, 2013.

On April 25, 2014, the Court of Appeal allowed Nik Nazmi's application to drop the charge and set aside the Shah Alam high court's decision.

On Feb 6, 2014, Nik Nazmi was charged for the second time with the offence.

However, on May 6, 2014, the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court acquitted Nik Nazmi of the charge after the judge recused himself from hearing the case.

The judge also took into consideration the Court of Appeal's April 25, 2014 decision.

Nik Nazmi was charged with failing to notify the Petaling Jaya district police chief within 10 days, of his intention to organise the 'Blackout 505' at the Petaling Jaya City Council Stadium in Kelana Jaya here.

He allegedly committed the offence at 8.30 pm on May 8, 2013.

The charge under Section 9(1) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, punishable under Section 9(5) of the same Act, carries a fine of not more than RM10,000 upon conviction.

The court set bail at RM1,500 with one surety, and Oct 26 for re-mention.

Deputy public prosecutor Wan Shaharuddin Wan Ladin appeared for the prosecution.