 PUTRAJAYA: The Court of Appeal here struck out one of the charges against sex bloggers Alvivi over their Ramadan Facebook posting, ruling that it does not apply to non-Muslims. Justice Mohtarudin Baki allowed the duo's application Monday, declaring that Section 298A(1) of the Penal Code was non-applicable and non-enforceable against them. Alvin Tan Jye Yee, 26, and Vivian Lee May Ling, 25, had appealed to have the charge under Section 298 - for stirring hostility between religions - struck out on the grounds the law was meant to ensure smoothness of the practice of Islam among its followers, not those of other religions. The unanimous decision by the panel - which included Justices Rohana Yusof and Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat - means the duo need only face two charges in their trial at the Session Court in Kuala Lumpur. Tan and Lee claimed trial on July 18, before Sessions Court Judge Murtazadi Amran to three charges under the Film Censorship Act, Sedition Act and Penal Code. The charges that still stand are for allegedly publishing a photograph with the comment "Selamat Berbuka Puasa (dengan bak kut teh...wangi, enak, menyelerakan)" which contained a halal logo and possibly seditious statements, and for displaying pornographic images on their blog. The duo's postings last July 11 caused an uproar among Malaysians of all races for their insensitivity, following which they removed the posting and uploaded a new picture of them eating ketupat, rendang and curry puffs. However, the Facebook page was later removed entirely. The Star
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