Court upholds acquittal of Selangor DAP Women's Secretary over police station incident

New Straits Times

07-05-2025

KUALA LUMPUR: The High Court here today upheld the magistrate's court decision to acquit and discharge Selangor DAP Women's secretary Nalina Nair Rama Krishnan of charges related to rioting and behaving indecently at a police station four years ago.
Deputy public prosecutor Noor Dayana Mohamad informed the court that the prosecution was withdrawing its appeal against the lower court's decision on Aug 10, 2023, which had freed Nalina.
Nalina's lawyer, Farida Mohamad, informed the court that the defence had no objections to the prosecution's decision to withdraw the appeal.
Judge Datuk Muhammad Jamil Hussin then dismissed the prosecution's appeal.
On Aug 21, 2021, Nalina, together with an activist, claimed trial when they were accused of committing the offence when they were detained for participating in a candlelight vigil at Dataran Merdeka.
On Aug 10, 2023, the magistrate's court discharged and acquitted the duo without calling for their defence, after finding that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case at the end of the prosecution's case.
Nalina was accused of committing the offence at the lobby of the Dang Wangi district police headquarters here at 9pm on Aug19, 2021.
She was charged under Section 90 of the Police Act 1967 and punishable under Section 94 of the same Act, which carries a maximum fine of RM500, imprisonment of up to six months, or both, upon conviction.
Speaking to reporters after the proceedings, Nalina expressed her gratitude to her legal team, describing them as extraordinary in their committed and courageous defence of her case.
She said the decision was a result of their tireless efforts and belonged to everyone who continues to uphold human rights and civil liberties.
On Aug 19, 31 individuals were detained for participating in a candlelight vigil at Dataran Merdeka in honouring those who died from Covid-19.