In the latest information on Malaysia Linda Lakhdhir reports how Malaysia’s Government is criminalizing speech. The article is published by Human Rights Watch. Here is an excerpt:

On the evening of Friday, April 23, seven police officers broke down the door of graphic artist Fahmi Reza’s home, arrested him, and took him to the police station for questioning. His alleged crime? Creating a jealousy-themed Spotify playlist in a satirical response to a controversial tweet by Malaysia’s queen.

Although he was released on bail after 24 hours, he is being investigated under Malaysia’s notorious Sedition Act, which criminalises any speech with a tendency to “excite disaffection” against or “bring into hatred or contempt” members of Malaysia’s royalty.

Those convicted of sedition face up to seven years in prison. Fahmi is also facing possible charges under a broadly worded provision of Malaysia’s Communications and Multimedia Act that has frequently been used against critics of the government or royalty. Human Rights Watch has long called for repeal or amendment of both laws.

Read the full article here.