GEORGE TOWN: A Korean pastor accused of outraging the modesty of two men was today charged with a similar offence involving another man 20 years ago.
Jee Jong Hoon, 54, was charged in the Magistrate’s Court here with outraging the modesty of a man, now 40, by groping his genitals and forcibly hugging and kissing him at a house at Lorong Delima 3 in Island Glades in 2000.
The charge, under Section 354 of the Penal Code for assault or use of criminal force on a person with the intent to outrage his or her modesty, carries a maximum 10 years’ jail upon conviction.
Jee is deaf-mute, and there was confusion in court because there was no sign language interpreter present.
Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Shahrezal Mohd Shukri told the court that no bail was being offered to Jee as the charge had not been read to him.
However, Jee’s lawyer, G Shanmugam, said the case against his client was already registered and that he should be allowed bail as provided for under the Criminal Procedure Code.
Shanmugam also said the prosecution should have obtained the services of an international sign language interpreter, following Jee’s previous court appearance at the Magistrate’s Court in Butterworth.
The pastor had been charged with outraging the modesty of two other men at the Butterworth court two weeks ago.
Magistrate Rosnee Mohd Radzuan set bail at RM6,000 with two Malaysian sureties. She ordered Jee to report to the nearest police station on the 29th of every month until the next court date and not to contact the alleged victim or witnesses in the case.
Rosnee set Feb 9 for mention and for the court to appoint an interpreter. Jee, who was also represented by lawyer Adlin Farhana Ismail, posted bail.