Lawyer Eric Paulsen charged with sedition

Eric Paulsen was charged in a Sessions Court here Thursday over a tweet in which he allegedly accused the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) of promoting extremism.

He was brought before judge Abdul Rashid Daud to have his charge read to him.

Paulsen, who is also Lawyers for Liberty executive director, was charged with publishing seditious words on his Twitter account at twitter.com/ericpaulsen101 stating that, "Jakim is promoting extremism every Friday. Government needs to address that if serious about extremism in Malaysia".

The offence was allegedly committed at the D5 criminal investigation unit, Bukit Aman here at about 8pm on Jan 10, this year.

He later claimed trial to the charge under Section 4(1)(c) of the Sedition Act 1948.

Judge Abdul Rashid later fixed bail at RM2,000 in one surety pending mention on April 27.

Counsel Gobind Singh Deo appeared for Paulsen.