A Malaysian student has pleaded not guilty to desecrating the Koran and posting offensive content online, in a case that has stirred widespread anger in the Muslim-majority country during the holy month of Ramadan.
Vikneswaran K. Selvanathan, 21, appeared before the Sessions Court in Kuantan, Pahang, on Tuesday to face two charges: defiling a sacred object and transmitting “grossly offensive” material on social media in violation of Malaysia’s communications law.
He is accused of stepping on a copy of the Koran at a house in Kuantan on February 22 “with intent to insult Islam”, according to the charge sheet seen by This Week in Asia.
The second charge alleges he knowingly published material online intended to cause hurt to others.
A conviction on the first charge could result in up to two years in prison, a fine, or both; the second carries a maximum fine of 500,000 ringgit (US$128,000), two years’ imprisonment, or both.
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