KUALA LUMPUR — Blogger Wan Muhammad Azri Wan Deris, also known as Papagomo, was acquitted once again by the Klang Sessions Court on charges of making seditious remarks linking the Malaysian government to Israel and Western countries. The acquittal was ordered Thursday by Sessions Court judge Siti Aminah Ghazali following the conclusion of the defence’s case.

Wan Muhammad Azri faced charges under Section 4(1)(b) of the Sedition Act 1948, which carries penalties of up to RM5,000 in fines, a maximum three-year prison term, or both upon conviction. The allegations pertained to a Facebook post published on November 8, 2023, under the name Halid Hamidi, also known as Halid Mat Kool. The post was reportedly accessed later that day by a 42-year-old man at a condominium unit in Jalan Tong Shin, Bukit Bintang.

According to Wan Muhammad Azri’s lawyer, Muhammad Rafique Rashid Ali, the judge ruled that the defence had successfully raised reasonable doubt regarding the prosecution’s case, which was not proven beyond a reasonable doubt. “The defence case has created sufficient doubt, and the prosecution failed to establish their case,” Muhammad Rafique said. He added that his client had consistently maintained his innocence and perceived the court’s decision as a vindication.

This marks the second acquittal for Wan Muhammad Azri by Judge Siti Aminah in the same case. Previously, on September 3, 2025, the judge acquitted him at the close of the prosecution’s case, stating that the prosecution failed to establish a prima facie case. The prosecution subsequently appealed that decision.

On July 31, 2026, the Kuala Lumpur High Court reversed the earlier acquittal after hearing the prosecution’s appeal. Justice Nurulhuda Nur’ Aini Mohamad Nor ruled that the prosecution had established a prima facie case under the Sedition Act, requiring Wan Muhammad Azri to enter his defence. Following the High Court ruling, the case was transferred back to Judge Siti Aminah, who had moved from Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court to Klang Sessions Court.

The prosecution is understood to be planning an appeal against the latest acquittal. The case continues to draw attention due to its implications on freedom of expression and sedition laws in Malaysia.