It is one of the heaviest religious convictions in recent years in Malaysia. A Malaysian man has been sentenced to more than 10 years in prison for insulting Islam and the Prophet Muhammad on social networks, police said on Saturday.
Some observers have noted that over the past years, the tolerant version of Islam practiced traditionally in Malaysia is being eroded by the growing influence of radical Muslims.
The convicted man, known only under his Facebook username ‘Ayea Yea’, was sentenced to 10 years and 10 months in prison after pleading guilty to ten counts of anti-religious activities and abusive use of communication networks, said the head of the national police Mohamad Fuzi Harun. He did not specify the lenght of the sentence for each offense, but stated that the sentences would be served consecutively.
Anti-religious activity is punishable by two to five years in prison in Malaysia.
The misuse of communication networks entails a maximum sentence of one year imprisonment and/or a fine of up to 50,000 ringgits (10,900 euros).
