PKR: Drop case against Borders manager Raina

FT Islamic affairs dept making her a scapegoat, says Keadilan Youth.

PETALING JAYA: Keadilan Youth has urged the Federal Territories Islamic Affairs Department to stop hounding Borders bookshop manager Nik Raina Nik Abdul Aziz in a case involving the controversial book Allah, Liberty and Love by Iranian writer Irshad Manji.

Keadilan Youth leader Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad said the wing was disappointed with Jawi’s decision to apply to the Federal Court to appeal against a decision that Jawi’s raid on the bookshop was unconstitutional.

The Court of Appeal had held that Jawi had acted beyond their powers in arresting and prosecuting Nik Raina and the bookshop. Jawi’s actions were unconstitutional and illegal.

The youth wing questioned the need to rigorously pursue action against Nik Raina when Jawi’s dispute is with the book. “Nik Raina is just the branch manager and she cannot be faulted for the availability of the book as it was not banned at that time.”

Keadilan Youth urged Jawi “to stop making Nik Raina the scapegoat” and drop the case instead of prolonging her ordeal by taking it to the Federal Court.