Reporters who entered church face charges of causing disharmony

(The Star) – Two local magazine reporters who wrote an article claiming they had entered a church that was converting Muslims into Christians can be jailed up to five years if found guilty of causing disharmony.

It is learnt that police have classified the case under Section 298A (1) of the Penal Code for causing disharmony, disunity or feelings of enmity, hatred or ill will, or prejudicing the maintenance of harmony or unity, on grounds of religion.

If convicted, the duo, both non-Christians who worked for Al-Islam which published the article in its May edition, could be jailed between two and five years.

Investigations commenced after a police report was lodged against the two men.

Federal Criminal Investigations Department director Commissioner Datuk Seri Mohd Bakri Zinin said police have so far recorded statements from at least four people, including church authorities, in connection with the article.

Police are expected to haul up the reporters soon.

Complainant Joachim Francis Xavier, 33, who lodged a report at the Patani Road police station, said the duo’s action in entering the premises with the intention to spy had angered many Catholics.

“The writers admitted in an article published in the May issue that the allegation turned out to be untrue. But we are deeply concerned that they had violated our privacy to worship freely,” he said.