The human rights defender said in a statement today that the decision of the Magistrates’ Court was “very disturbing”.
It said it was “almost incomprehensible that a human rights defender has been punished for wanting to raise awareness on, and concerns for marginalised communities suffering from human rights violations and atrocities”.
Pusat Komas said: “The decision by the Magistrates’ Court has set a dangerous precedent that it is now unlawful for people to document and screen videos without sending their videos to the Film Censorship Board.
“This outcome has very serious implications on freedom of expression in Malaysia, a basic right guaranteed in the Malaysian constitution under Article 10 which guarantees Malaysian citizens the right to freedom of speech, freedom of assembly and freedom of association.”
Lena was found guilty of screening the documentary “No Fire Zone: The Killing Fields of Sri Lanka” before submitting it to the Malaysian Censorship Board for approval.
Pusat Komas said what was more disturbing was that on March 10, 2016, the Magistrates’ Court had acquitted Lena, but upon appeal by the prosecution, the High Court ordered her to enter defence.
“We believe that the court should have decided against Lena Hendry’s conviction in the first place to send a clear message that it is not an offense to screen a documentary film which supports human rights and educates people on that subject.”
Under Section 6 of the Malaysian Film Censorship Act 2002, it is an offense which carries a jail sentence of not more than three years and a fine not exceeding RM30,000.
Pusat Komas urged the government to align Malaysian laws to international standards of human rights.
The Film Censorship Act 2002, it said, needed to be reviewed or totally removed.