BATU PAHAT, Fourteen individuals believed to be followers of the teachings of Millah Ibrahim/Abraham were charged in the Syariah Lower Court here today with possession of religious publications contrary to the true teachings of Islam and for disobeying religious authorities. The accused, consisting of 11 men and three women, were charged under Section 9 and Section 13(1)(b) of the Syariah Criminal Procedure Enactment (Johor) 2003. They face a two-year prison sentence or a maximum fine of RM3,000 or both, in addition to forfeiture and counselling if found guilty. However, no plea was recorded from all the accused after the charges were read separately to them before Syarie Judge Mohd Syahir Sahab. The proceedings today are for mention to transfer the case according to the location of the incident as provided under Section 67 of the same enactment. The court allowed the accused bail of RM5,000 with two sureties each. Syarie prosecutor Ahmad Wafi Abdullah appeared for the prosecution while all the accused were unrepresented. Earlier, all the accused arrived at the court grounds at 9.45 am under strict security by enforcement officers from the Johor Islamic Religious Department (JAINJ) and the police. According to media reports, 17 individuals believed to be followers of deviant teaching were arrested in a special operation by the JAINJ in collaboration with the Special Branch Unit of the Johor Police Contingent Headquarters in Batu Pahat, Pontian, Muar and Segamat last Aug 1. Source: BERNAMA News Agency