Malaysian celebrity preacher Azman Syah Alias has been sentenced to 24 years in jail for sexually abusing a 17-year-old male student in 2022.
The 43-year-old preacher, commonly known as PU Azman, was immediately sent to the Kajang prison, where he will also be facing 2 strokes of cane. Azman’s defense lawyer tried to apply for a delay in the sentence but was rejected by the court, reported Sinar Harian.
The sexual abuse took place at a homestay in Kampung Sungai Udang, Klang, in February and June 2022.
His defense lawyer told the court that the possibility of Azman committing another crime while waiting for the appeal is low, and it is also Azman’s first offense.
“If the court continues the sentence, it will make it difficult for us to prepare a defense for other cases, including the best appeals. For the court’s information, he is still facing the same case in other courts.”
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nurul ‘Izzati Mohamad objected to the application because there was no solid reason for the court to allow the suspension of the sentence.
In the court, Azman nodded to signify he understood the court when the sentence was read to him.
Earlier this month, another celebrity preacher, Da’i Syed, was also sentenced to jail for raping a woman in Shah Alam.
“PU Azman is defamed”
Some Malaysian netizens, on the other hand, believe that Azman’s case is more than meets the eye. Many think Azman was defamed and didn’t actually commit the crime.
“I think PU Azman was defamed.”
“If PU Azman is guilty, he should be punished but if he’s not, may Allah ease things for him,” commented a user.
Another said, “He’s being tested. We have no idea what fate has in store for us.”
“Like Ebit Liew, I think he’s being defamed.”
“I look at his face and I can feel he’s guilty, but I don’t know how to prove it. Only Allah knows,” commented one netizen.
What do you think of this?
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