THE Ipoh Sessions Court today sentenced graphic designer Fahmi Reza to a month’s jail and fined him RM30,000 for posting an edited image of Prime Minister Najib Razak on Facebook with the intention to offend.

Fahmi tweeted the court decision and said: “It is an offence to hurt the feelings of others by posting a satirical drawing of a clown on Facebook.”

He was charged with committing the offence through his Facebook account, “Fahmi Reza”, on February 8, 2016.

The post was allegedly read at an address in Seraya Sdn Bhd, Batu 3, Jalan Jelapang, Ipoh, at 2.40pm the same day.

Fahmi was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 (Act 588), punishable under Section 233(3) of the same act, which carries a maximum fine of RM50,000, or a jail term not exceeding one year, or both, upon conviction.

Fahmi’s lawyer, Syedredzan Johan said they were disappointed and will be appealing the decision. – February 20, 2018.