KUALA LUMPUR: A policewoman was jailed seven years by the High Court on Tuesday for concealing information on terrorism-related activities from the relevant authorities.

She was found guilty as charged under Section 130M of the Penal Code.

Judicial Commissioner Nordin Hassan ordered Jusninawati Abdul Ghani’s jail sentence to start from March 22 this year, the date of her arrest.

“The accused failed to raise a reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s case,” he said.

JC Nordin said testimony from the prosecution’s witnesses showed she was aware of people fighting as terrorists in Syria.

“She helped an Islamic State (IS) terrorist to open three Facebook accounts. She also set up a Facebook account for those who want to join the militants,” he said.

JC Nordin said it was unreasonable for Jusninawati, as a police officer, to hide such information from the authorities.

“According to a statement from the dock, she thought ‘those individuals’ were only making ’empty talk’ on Syria,” continued JC Nordin. “The court cannot accept her testimony on ’empty talk’.”

In mitigation, her lawyer Nik Zarith Nik Mustapha asked for a lenient sentence. He pleaded it was his client’s first offence.

Deputy public prosecutor Azlina Rasdi, who pressed for a deterrent sentence, said Jusninawati had intentionally omitted to give information on terrorism-related activities.

According to the facts of the case, Jusninawati committed the offence between Aug 2015 and March this year.

Her case was first highlighted by Pandan MP and National Oversight and Whistleblower director Rafizi Ramli.

He expressed concern on individuals facing terrorism-related charges being held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act.

Any one held under Sosma can be held up to 28 days without trial.

Source: freemalaysiatoday.com