From Cartoonists Rights Network International and Cartooning for Peace.
MALAYSIA – Fahmi Reza
Malaysian cartoonist Fahmi Reza, who was due to travel to Singapore for a few days on June 7 to attend a concert, was unable to board his flight at Kuala Lumpur international airport.
The immigration authorities informed him that he was banned from leaving the country by the police, without specifying the reason for this measure. On May 29, Fahmi Reza had been banned from entering the State of Sabah by the local authorities.
These restrictions come four months after Fahmi Reza was arrested in Sabah after publishing cartoons critical of the State’s governor, who has been accused of corruption. He has since been investigated, notably under the Sedition Act.
In the local press, the police denied the existence of a travel ban, but claimed that Fahmi Reza was on a watch list because of the ongoing investigation into his case.
These restrictions come four months after Fahmi Reza was arrested in Sabah after publishing cartoons critical of the State’s governor, who has been accused of corruption. He has since been investigated, notably under the Sedition Act.
In the local press, the police denied the existence of a travel ban, but claimed that Fahmi Reza was on a watch list because of the ongoing investigation into his case.