Zunar Files Successfully To Have Judge Changed In Travel-Related Case Against Government

The Malaysian cartoonist Zunar sent an e-mail earlier today to news sources concerning a successful motion regarding the judge assigned to his travel ban case. Judge Hanifah Farikullah recused herself from the case. According to Zunar's statement, she had already denied challenged by other activists.

Zunar, whose troubles with Malaysian police authorities has made him an international figure in the struggle for political expression via caricature and cartoon criticism, is unable to leave the country due to the ban he now challenges. Zunar also faces sedition charges that if convicted could over 40 years of jail time.

He is seeking to end the ban via certiorari order. It was served to him last October when he was on his way to a forum in Singapore. The most recent travel opportunity he missed was to Switzerland.

The next round of legal hearings in the Sedition Act track is May 11.

As always, our support and best wishes to the cartoonist. Police authorities doubling down on harassment and charges when the courts had reached a point where all parties could disengage makes this look like a pissing contest far more than any serious engagement of the issues brought to bear on the matter. Its continuance far past the dictates of reason suggests another world instance of authoritarian impulse driving actions regardless principle. Zunar's harassment should worry us all.
 
posted 3:35 pm PST | Permalink
 

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