Scenes of jubilation in court this morning after the decision Photo by Rakyat@Work

In a stunning development, Raja Petra is to be freed from ISA detention after a successful habeas corpus application.

Shah Alam High Court Judge Syed Ahmad Helmy Syed Ahmad ruled that Raja Petra’s detention was illegal and that the Home Minister had acted outside his jurisdiction when he issued a two-year detention order under Section 8(1) of the ISA.

“The atmosphere here is fantastic,” says Rakyat@Work, my contact at the scene. “When the verdict was read out, everyone erupted in jubilation so much so the judge had to admonish the crowd and remind them it was a court of law. We couldn’t help it though! A lot of people were crying openly.”

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Supporters cheer and wave at RPK as the van he is in leaves the courthouse this morning (Photos by Rakyat@Work)

The crowd knocks on the side of the van: “We are with you, RPK!”

Blogger Whisperer sums up the mood:

Many teary eyes around today. I won’t put it as disappointment. It’s purely sadness. I went into the courtroom to convey my support to Pete. I could sense something was wrong as Pete wasn’t himself today. I suppose he expected the postponement. My heart bled and my tears broke free. I wasn’t alone.

Perhaps you need to be here to understand. There is this special bond… a bond that binds all of us together like a big family. Yeah… a big compassionate family. A new era? Another new beginning? Certainly, a positive one.

Come 10 November, come and be part of this special bond and let this special bond rise and spread across this Nation.

Again, I would like to say this: It’s worth the sacrifice to be here!

Rakyat@Work reports on what was supposed to be Day Four of the RPK trial:

0940: The van finally leaves the compound, much to the sadness and disappointment of those present, who had wanted to spend more time with RPK. Some quickly send out text messages to friends who had plans to come later. Everyone starts dispersing and reminding one another about the next dates: 10-12 November. We will be back! Long live RPK, Long live Marina, Long live the true rakyat of Malaysia. Long live Justice!

0930: People are still walking, oblivious to what’s happening. Well, everyone is reluctant to leave until RPK leaves. So, all of us wait for the familiar van to move out. We have a little more time to see the van ‘cos it is blocked by another car. The van backs up and excitement mounts as some of the crowd knock against the side of the van to let RPK know we are still with him.

“He’s blindfolded, isn’t it?” asks a woman.

The crowd continues to shout in Raja Petra’s direction: “We are with you!”

Then the van stops. What’s happening? “The driver needs to go to the toilet,” someone remarks and everyone bursts out laughing. I suppose RPK is also laughing inside. More pictures below Continue reading »

 

RPK returns after a morning break on Day Two of the trial

(Court photos by Rakyat@Work for anilnetto.com)

Anwar rushing to his own court case after dropping by on Day Three of the RPK trial

Women Power on Day Three of the RPK trial

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