GEORGE TOWN: The Penang High Court today issued a gag order against activist Arun Doraisamy from making any public statement regarding the ongoing T. Nhaveen murder trial.
Judicial Commissioner Mohd Radzi Abdul Hamid in his ruling said every statement made by Arun, whether on social media or in public, would affect the trial.
Therefore, he said Arun was prohibited from making public statements on social media or in any other medium, in oral or written form, until disposal of the case.
“This court recognises that you have the right to freedom of speech and expression, however, every statement must have an element of responsibility. This is an ongoing trial, you cannot make pre-judgment during the trial.
“The public must remain confident and respectful with the functions of the court and judicial power. Failure to comply with the order is an insult to the court,” he said.
The prosecution filed a gag order against Arun in July.
The prosecution, led by state prosecution director Datuk Khairul Anuar Abdul Halim, comprises deputy public prosecutors Mohd Amril Johari, Yazid Mustaqim Roslan and Noor Azura Zulkiflee while Arun was represented by counsel Arun Ganesh Boopalan. — Bernama
