The Ebit Lew Sexual Harassment Trial: Key Developments and Testimonies
The ongoing sexual harassment trial of preacher Ebit Irawan Ibrahim Lew, commonly known as Ebit Lew, has garnered significant public attention as it unfolds in the Magistrate’s Court in Tenom. The case centers around allegations of inappropriate conduct involving the preacher and a woman in her 40s, with the prosecution presenting a series of testimonies and forensic evidence to support the claims.
Key Testimony from Digital Forensics Analyst
One of the pivotal moments in the trial came from the testimony of Muhammad Umar Shahbudin, a former digital forensics analyst from CyberSecurity Malaysia. As the 14th witness in the case, Umar provided crucial insights into the call logs retrieved from the complainant’s phone. He revealed that a total of 15 calls were made from the complainant’s phone to Ebit Lew’s number. Additionally, the analysis uncovered five incoming calls and one missed call from Lew’s number to the complainant, bringing the total to 21 call logs involving the preacher.
Umar’s analysis was conducted on a phone that was part of a collection of evidence handed to him on October 27, 2021. This evidence included two mobile phones, a SIM card, a memory card, and a Unifi SIM card. The thorough examination of the data took a week, after which the evidence was returned to the investigating officer on November 26, 2021.
The Role of CyberSecurity Malaysia
The involvement of CyberSecurity Malaysia has been instrumental in the investigation. Tajul Josalmin Tajul Ariffin, the head of the Digital Forensics Department at CyberSecurity Malaysia, also provided testimony regarding the evidence handling process. He confirmed that the items were sealed in envelopes marked with CyberSecurity Malaysia’s logo, ensuring the integrity of the evidence. The police had specifically requested assistance in retrieving information related to Instagram accounts, call logs, and WhatsApp conversations, which were critical to the case.
Additional Testimonies from Law Enforcement
The trial has seen contributions from various law enforcement personnel as well. On September 3, 2022, two PDRM photographers, Detective Corporal Shahrul Sanudin and Detective Corporal Husni Haris Ramli, testified in court, followed by another photographer, Detective Corporal Andria Anak Empeny, who provided his testimony on December 9. These testimonies are part of the broader effort to establish a comprehensive narrative surrounding the allegations against Ebit Lew.
Charges Against Ebit Lew
Ebit Lew, who is 39 years old, faces a total of 11 charges under Section 509 of the Penal Code. These charges pertain to accusations of outraging the modesty of the complainant by sending lewd messages and images via WhatsApp between March and June 2021. If convicted, Lew could face a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine, or both.
Continuing Proceedings
The trial, presided over by Magistrate Nur Asyraf Zolhani, is set to continue, with further testimonies and evidence expected to be presented. The case has sparked widespread discussion and concern regarding issues of sexual harassment and the responsibilities of public figures, particularly in the context of their influence and the potential impact on victims.
As the proceedings unfold, the legal and social implications of this case will likely resonate beyond the courtroom, highlighting the ongoing challenges in addressing sexual harassment and ensuring justice for victims. The public awaits further developments in what has become a significant legal battle with far-reaching consequences.