The Ampang Magistrate’s Court in Kuala Lumpur today advised members of the public to not make any comment on the case involving rock singer Awie, whose real name is Ahmad Azhar Othman, who is charged with causing hurt on his wife two months ago.

Magistrate Ayuni Izzaty Sulaiman said this after Awie’s counsel, Hazman Harun, requested the court for an order to ban all quarters from doing so.

However, Ayuni said the media were free to report proceedings on the case.

In the application, Hazman said that since his client was charged in the court for the offence last July 4, there were various comments, as well as discussions, on the case in the media, including the electronic media.

There were also quarters which published pictures of the victims that could be prejudicial to the accused, he added.

Hazman said the comments could deprive the accused of a fair trial.

“Although my client is a celebrity and society feels they have the right to discuss his personal affairs, he should also be given equal right for a fair trial and the charge against him should be proven by the court and not through the blogs and the newspapers,” he added.

He said copies of the pictures and documents on the case had been submitted to the prosecution.

Deputy public prosecutor Goh Ai Rene, who prosecuted, did not object and left the matter to the court’s discretion.

The court then set Sept 23 for case management.

On July 4 this year, Awie, the main actor in the films, ‘Zombie Kampung Pisang’ and ‘Hantu Kak Limah’, was charged under Section 325 of the Penal Code with voluntarily causing grievous hurt on Rozana Misbun, 36, at a house in Taman Ukay Bistari.

The offence was allegedly committed at 1.30 pm on June 2 this year.

Awie pleaded not guilty and was allowed bail of RM9,000 with two sureties.

- Bernama