KUALA LUMPUR: The atmosphere was tense at the Sessions Court here today as a 63-year-old retired teacher was charged with supporting the Islamic State and possessing materials linked to the terror group.
About 10 policemen in full-face balaclava escorted a handcuffed Abu Hasan Chan Abdullah into the court about 11am.
Abu Hasan was calm when the charges were read to him before Judge Syed Faisal Syed Amir. No pleas were recorded.
He was charged with supporting IS via his Facebook account bearing the name “Abu Hasan” at 10am on Aug 1.
He was also charged with possessing items related to IS on his Facebook account at the same date and time.
According to the charge sheet, both offences were allegedly committed at Bahagian E8, Counter-Terrorism Division, Cawangan Khas, Tingkat 24, Menara 2, Ibu Pejabat Polis DiRaja Malaysia in Bukit Aman.
For the first offence, Abu Hasan was charged under Section 130J(1)(a) of the Penal Code, which provides for life imprisonment or a jail term not exceeding 30 years, or a fine.
For the second offence, he was charged under 130JB(1)(a) of the Penal Code, which carries a jail term of up to seven years, or a fine.
Deputy public prosecutor Amira Sariyati Zainal prosecuted, while the accused was unrepresented.
The court fixed Nov 10 for mention.