The magistrate hearing a case involving a dozen reformists who protested in 2000 at restrictions imposed on Harakah has acquitted all the accused.
Free at last - Photo via Tian Chua
The reformasi supporters had protested against a restriction slashing the frequency of the Pas newspaper from twice weekly to once a fortnight.
Of the 12 charged, one had already passed away.
The DDP had subpoenaed 11 witnesses but only two witnesses testified with no response from the rest, said Tian Chua.
Indoor ceramah, outdoor crowd: Anwar speaks from the covered corridor of a shoplot while the crowd listens from the street outside - Photos by Anil Netto
Anwar speaking from inside a private residence to a crowd of 5,000 seated on a field opposite
Pakatan politicians are using creative means to overcome various restrictions.
Take for instance the police restriction on ceramah in “public places” in Kedah, which effectively bans open-air public rallies.
The restrictions confine the ceramah to indoor locations. So the Pakatan politicians are now stretching the definition of “indoors”. While the politicians addressing the crowd are now indoors – in shophouses or inside private premises, the crowds spill out to the streets or fields outside the indoor locations.
