High Court Sentences Security Guard to 18 Months in Prison for Terrorism-Related Offenses
KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court has sentenced a security guard to 18 months in prison for possession of terrorism-related books, photographs, and videos, and for producing an article about the Islamic State (IS).
Justice K Muniandy Pronounces Sentence
Justice K Muniandy pronounced the sentence on Norulaini Supardi today after he pleaded guilty to four charges under Sections 130JB(1)(a) and 130JB(1)(b) of the Penal Code. The court ordered Norulaini’s jail terms to run concurrently, beginning from June 26, the date of his arrest.
Norulaini Pleads for Leniency
Earlier, in pleading for leniency, Norulaini said he regretted his actions and urged the court to impose a lenient sentence. He said he had been in remand since June and had been unable to take care of his five children. "One of them passed away while I was in prison," Norulaini added in an emotional tone. He also expressed gratitude for the religious classes he had been attending in prison, which had helped him in his rehabilitation and motivated him to steer clear of IS ideology.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Urges Deterrent Sentence
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur Ainaa Ridzwan urged the court to impose a deterrent sentence against Norulaini. She said a government expert had in a report confirmed that the books, photographs, and videos seized were detrimental to the public and capable of gaining support for the IS ideology. "We are asking the court to order consecutive sentences for his four charges, but we leave it to the court’s discretion," she said.
Sentence Implemented
Muniandy also told Norulaini to continue with the religious programmes he is presently attending in prison. The sentence has been implemented, with Norulaini’s jail terms running concurrently, beginning from June 26, the date of his arrest.
Conclusion
The sentence imposed on Norulaini Supardi serves as a reminder of the severe consequences of engaging in terrorism-related activities. The court’s decision highlights the importance of taking a tough stance against the spread of extremist ideologies and the need for rehabilitation and reintegration of individuals who have been influenced by such ideologies.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was Norulaini Supardi charged with?
A: He was charged with possession of terrorism-related books, photographs, and videos, and for producing an article about the Islamic State (IS).
Q: What was the sentence imposed on Norulaini Supardi?
A: He was sentenced to 18 months in prison, with the sentences running concurrently, beginning from June 26, the date of his arrest.
Q: What was the motive behind Norulaini’s actions?
A: Norulaini claimed that he was motivated by his desire to change and steer clear of IS ideology, which he said had been influenced by the religious classes he had been attending in prison.