A PARTI Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) activist and another man claimed trial at the magistrates’ court in George Town today for obstructing public servants from discharging their public functions.

PSM’s R. Karthiges, 37, and M. Nathan, 30, were charged under Section 186 of the Penal Code. If convicted, they each face a jail term of up to two years, a RM10,000 fine or both.

On June 5, the duo protested against the evictions of residents at the Padang Tembak people’s public housing flats. They were detained by police then released on police bail the same night.

Karthiges, who is pursuing his Master’s degree at Universiti Sains Malaysia, and Nathan, a hotel worker, were each granted RM2,500 bail.

Magistrate Mohamad Amin Shahul Hamid fixed August 2 for mention. Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Hafiz Hashim prosecuted.

Karthiges’ PSM colleagues, including former Sungai Siput MP Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj and former Tanjung Bungah assemblyman Teh Yee Cheu, and Bersih northern region leader Dr Toh Kin Woon, were present at court this morning to show their support. – July 4, 2018.