AGC rejects comedian’s representation seeking review of ‘insult’ charges

AGC rejects comedian’s representation seeking review of ‘insult’ charges

Rizal van Geyzel faces three charges for uploading a video to his social media pages between July 4 and 6 last year with the intention of insulting others. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: The Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) has turned down a representation made by stand-up comedian Rizal van Geyzel to review charges brought against him for posting insulting remarks on social media platforms.

Deputy public prosecutor Noor Haslinda Che Seman said the AGC’s decision against the Crackhouse Comedy Club co-founder was conveyed to them today.


“We have between eight and 10 prosecution witnesses for the trial,” she told sessions court judge Nor Hasniah Ab Razak during a mention of the case.

Rizal’s lawyer, Pravin Mahentharan, also told the judge his client would make a second representation to the AGC soon.

The lawyer asked for another mention date.

The judge then fixed mention on April 6 and seven trial dates falling between April 14 and June 2.

“The trial will proceed on these dates as this is an old case. I have taken into consideration the second representation to be made,” she added.

On July 22, Rizal, 39, was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.

If found guilty, he faces a maximum one-year prison sentence, a RM50,000 fine, or both for each charge.

According to the charge sheet, Rizal uploaded a video on his Facebook page “Rizal van Gyzel” at about 11.23pm on July 4 with the intention of insulting other persons.

The second and third charges stated that he uploaded the same video on his Instagram page “rizalvangeyzel” on July 6, and on his TikTok page of the same name, on July 5.

He was released on bail of RM12,000 in one surety and also asked to surrender his passport.