THE Selangor Shariah Court has ordered BFM presenter and ZI Publications owner Ezra Zaid to stand trial for the sale, distribution and possession of 180 copies of Canadian author Irshad Manji’s books.

Justice Syukran Yusoff said today in the Shariah Subordinate Court in Petaling Jaya that the case, which began in 2012, had already taken too long and since there were no longer any legality issues with Section 16 of the Shariah Criminal Offences (Selangor) Enactment 1995, the trial should proceed.

The Federal Court had ruled on Sept 28, 2015 that S16 of the Shariah Criminal Offences Selangor (Enactment) 1995 was valid and did not contravene the Federal Constitution.

Syukran then set February 22 for Ezra to be tried for the sale and distribution of Irshad’s translated book, Allah, Kebebasan dan Cinta (Allah, Liberty and Love).

Zulkfli Che Yong appeared for Ezra while the prosecution was represented by Sofian Ahmad, Fairus Jaafar, Khafizah Ahmad Khairi and Shafezan Rusli.

On May 29, 2012, the Selangor Islamic Religious Department (Jais) had raided ZI Publications’ office and confiscated 180 copies of the book.

Following that, Ezra filed judicial reviews in July 2012 to challenge the legality of the seizure and the validity of Section 16 of the Selangor’s Administration of Islamic Law Enactment 1989.

Separately he also filed a reference to the Federal Court questioning the competency of Selangor State Legal Assembly to enact section S16’s in respect of Article 74(2) of Federal Constitution.

He also filed another review questioning S16’s consistency with Articles 8 and 10 of the Federal Constitution. Article 8 provides for the right to equality while Article 10 grants Malaysians the right to freedom of speech and expression.

The Kuala Lumpur High Court is due to hear arguments pertaining the consistency of S16 on December 5. Representing Ezra in the case is Fahri Azzat while Jais will be represented by former Malaysian Bar president Sulaiman Abdullah.

On March 7, 2013, Ezra was charged under Section 16 for publishing and distributing Irshad’s book and possession of 180 copies of the book.

Conviction under any of the charges would result in a maximum RM3,000 fine, a two-years jail term or both. – November 23, 2017.