The case has been dragging for nearly two years now. Out of the 65, 14 decided to plead guilty after being advised by their counsel two days ago. Today, they were fined and released. The others claimed trial, so the case goes on.
The 14 people who on Tuesday pleaded guilty to participating in an unlawful assembly organised by the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) in Batu Caves on Nov 25, 2007, was fined RM750 each.
Judge Hasbi Hasan said that if they failed to pay the fine, they would go to prison for a month. All paid the fine.
Lawyer G.K. Ganesan earlier pleaded for a fine of between RM500 and RM650 since his clients were labourers and contract workers earning about RM20 to RM30 daily, and that this was their first offence.
Anyway, Malaysiakini reported something that others didn’t bother mentioning – HINDRAF paid the fines on behalf of the rally attendees.
Police Watch Malaysia coordinator S Jayathas, who is also national coordinator for the now- banned Hindraf, said the movement had decided the pay the fines on behalf of the 14 as the assembly which they had taken part in had been organised by Hindraf.
“Due to the fact that they were a part of an assembly organised by Hindraf, we have paid the sum,” he revealed.
Jayathas told Malaysiakini that a total amount of RM10,500 was paid out because Hindraf was ‘duty-bound’ to solve the matter.
However, I find that Malaysiakini reported all the cases have been heard, so matter is closed. This is different from NST who mentioned that only 14 pleaded guilty, so the balance need to face trial on May 11th.