Fadley Faisal

A local man who uploaded a video on Instagram likely to cause a breach of peace was charged in the Magistrate’s Court yesterday.

Mohammad Norhadzrin bin Mohammad Jamain, 22, is alleged to have uttered insulting words on the social media platform, likely to cause a breach of peace under Section 19 of the Minor Offences Act, Chapter 30.

While the Ministry of Health has been regularly advising the public to practise social distancing which includes reducing close contact between people to slow down the spread of infections or diseases, the 36-second clip uploaded by the defendant contradicts the advice, the prosecution said in court.

The prosecutor added that in the video, he urged only those who fear death to stay at home, and to calm down others who do not want to stay home. The video also shows him criticising the public for fearing coronavirus similar to fearing God when in fact, according to him, the coronavirus is man-made, the prosecution added.

The prosecution further informed the court that the video was uploaded on his Instagram account on March 19, 2020.

No plea was taken from the defendant by Acting Senior Magistrate Pengiran Shahyzul Khairuddien bin Pengiran Abdul Rahman who adjourned the case to March 28, 2020. Deputy Public Prosecutor Norhafizah binti Ahmad appeared for the Public Prosecutor.

The Attorney General’s Chambers also reminded the public that any publications that are likely to cause a breach of peace is an offence which carries a penalty of fine up to BND500.

The public is also strongly advised to refrain from publishing, forwarding or creating fake news and misinformation about COVID-19 as these may be regarded as offences under the legislation including Section 34 of the Public Order Act, Chapter 148 which carries a penalty of a fine of BND3,000 and imprisonment for three years.