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GEORGE TOWN: A Korean pastor accused of outraging the modesty of two men was charged today with a similar crime involving another man 20 years ago.
Jee Jong Hoon, 54, was charged in Magistrates Court here with outraging the modesty of a man, now 40, by touching his genitals and forcibly hugging and kissing him in a house at Lorong Delima 3 on 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 intention of outraging his modesty, carries a maximum of 10 years in prison when convicted.
Jee is deaf and mute and there was confusion in court because there was no sign language interpreter present.
Deputy Prosecutor Muhammad Shahrezal Mohd Shukri told the court that Jee was not offered bail because the charges had not been read to him.
However, Jee’s lawyer, G Shanmugam, said that the case against his client was already registered and that he should be allowed bail as provided in the Criminal Procedure Code.
Shanmugam also said the prosecution should have obtained the services of an international sign language interpreter, following Jee’s prior appearance in Butterworth Magistrates Court.
The pastor had been accused of outraging the modesty of two other men in Butterworth court two weeks ago.
Judge Rosnee Mohd Radzuan posted a bond of RM6,000 with two Malaysian guarantees. He ordered Jee to report to the nearest police station on the 29th of each month until the next hearing date and not to contact the alleged victim or witnesses in the case.
Rosnee set February 9 for the mention and for the court to appoint an interpreter. Jee, who was also represented by attorney Adlin Farhana Ismail, posted bail.
