JOHOR BARU: The Sessions Court here has set Oct 20 for the case mention of a former public university lecturer and a contractor, both accused of connections to the Islamic State (IS) terrorist group.
Judge Hazelia Mohammad granted the adjournment after the prosecution, led by deputy public prosecutors Rullizah Abdul Majid and Lina Hanani Ismail, told the court that several expert reports were pending.
These include forensic reports, a comprehensive ideological assessment, physical book evaluations, WhatsApp conversations, and video evidence linked to the accused.
The case will be transferred to the Kuala Lumpur High Court once all the documents are finalised.
The accused, Abdullah Daud, 70, and Mohamad Awang, 48, arrived at the court complex under heavy police escort at 8.30am.
Abdullah, appearing frail, was brought to the courtroom in a wheelchair from the court lock-up.
He faces charges for promoting terrorist activities by spreading IS-related ideology and possessing two books titled 'Hakikat Dienul Islam' and 'Tarbiyah Jihadiyah', which are allegedly linked to terrorism.
He is also accused of owning digital materials and videos supporting terrorist acts on his mobile phone and hosted gatherings at his residence in Kampung Melayu Kangkar Pulai, in support of alleged terrorism activities.
The alleged offences took place between Sept 3, 2023 and June 28 this year.
The charges under Sections 130G(a) and 130H(a) of the Penal Code carry a maximum sentence of 30 years in prison and a fine.
Abdullah also faces additional charges under Section 130JB(1)(a) for possessing terrorist-related materials, which could result in a seven-year prison sentence or a fine if convicted.
Meanwhile, Mohamad is accused of possessing IS-related materials on his mobile phone and laptop, with the offences allegedly committed at his residence in Taman Daya on June 23 at 7.05am.
Neither of the accused is currently represented by legal counsel.