Malaysiakini (http://www.malaysiakini.com)
128 ‘Shiites' arrested, 100 under questioning, 21 December 2010
by Abdul Rahim Sabri
As many as 101 of the 128 Shiite followers who have been detained by the Selangor Islamic Affairs Department (Jais) have had their statements recorded over suspicions of being involved with the banned mazhab (school of thought).
According to a Jais insider, those detained had started giving their statements since being detained last week and will continue to do so until Thursday when the process of recording their statement ends.
They are being investigated under Section 12 (c) of the Selangor Syariah Crimes Enactment 1995, which pertains to committing contempt against the religious authorities.
Section 12 (c) pertains to acting "in a way yang menghina kuasa yang sah (that is in contempt of the rightful authorities), or defies, violates or questions an order or directive of ... the mufti stated or issued through a fatwa."
A Selangor fatwa proscribes being involved in, learning or propogating Shiite teachings.
Those found guilty of an offence for which they have been charged can be fined up to RM3,000, jailed up to two years, or both.
“They were undergoing collective studies (of Shiite teachings). The way we see it, if the lessons were undertaken individually, there would be no problem as we would not be aware of it. But it was done in groups,” the source told Malaysiakini when contacted.
Last Wednesday, scores of Shiites - local and foreigners - were rounded up by Jais during a raid on a shoplot in Taman Seri Gombak, Batu Caves.
Among those reportedly detained were lecturers, university students lawyers and civil servants.
According to the source, two of the 128 persons detained were brought to the Kuang Lower Syariah Court on Dec 16.
Other than being charged under Section 12 (c), the two individuals also face being charged under Section 7(1) and Section 13 of the same enactment.
Section 7(1) relates to the teaching, 'clarification' or performance of any rites or actions relating to Islam, whether on private or public property.
Committing an offense under the provision can lead to a fine of up to RM3,000, jail of not more than three years, caning of up to six strokes, or a combination of the above.
Section 13, meanwhile, pertains to relating, propagating or spreading views on any issue, teaching or syariah judgement that goes against fatwas already in force in Selangor.
Those found guilty of breaching Section 13 can be liable to a fine of not more than RM3,000, prison of up to two years, or both.
The case has been set for second mention on Jan 20 next year.
As many as 126 Shiites are expected to be brought to court the following March 24.
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