The Ebit Lew Sexual Harassment Trial: A Deep Dive into the Proceedings
The ongoing sexual harassment trial involving Malaysian preacher Ebit Irawan Ibrahim Lew, commonly known as Ebit Lew, has garnered significant public attention. The case, which has unfolded in the Magistrate’s Court in Tenom, revolves around serious allegations against the preacher, including sending obscene messages to a woman via WhatsApp. As the trial progresses, key testimonies and forensic analyses are shedding light on the evidence presented in court.
Key Testimonies and Evidence
One of the pivotal moments in the trial came from Mohd Zabri Adil Talib, the head of Cybersecurity Malaysia’s Responsive Technology and Services Division. As the 15th witness, he provided crucial insights into the digital evidence related to the case. Zabri conducted a forensic analysis of two SIM cards belonging to the complainant and one belonging to Ebit Lew. His findings revealed that the WhatsApp messages exchanged between the complainant and Lew had been deleted and were irretrievable due to current technological limitations.
Zabri explained that once WhatsApp messages are deleted, they cannot be recovered. This assertion was made in response to inquiries from deputy public prosecutor Rasyidah Murni Adzmi, highlighting the challenges faced in digital forensics. The analysis was initiated at the request of investigating officer DSP Noor Asyikin Shamsuri, who aimed to trace deleted conversations within the WhatsApp application.
Call Logs and Communication Patterns
In addition to the WhatsApp messages, the trial has also focused on call logs between the complainant and Ebit Lew. Muhammad Umar Shahbudin, a former digital forensics analyst from CyberSecurity Malaysia, testified as the 14th witness. He revealed that a total of 21 call logs were found involving Lew’s number on the complainant’s phone, which included 15 outgoing calls, five incoming calls, and one missed call.
Umar’s analysis was part of a broader investigation that included examining various pieces of evidence, such as mobile phones and SIM cards. He received the evidence on October 27, 2021, and took a week to conduct a thorough analysis before returning the items to the investigating officer.
The Role of Cybersecurity Experts
The involvement of cybersecurity experts has been crucial in this trial. Tajul Josalmin Tajul Ariffin, head of CyberSecurity Malaysia’s Digital Forensics Department, testified about the procedures followed in handling the evidence. He confirmed that the items were sealed in envelopes marked with CyberSecurity Malaysia’s logo, ensuring the integrity of the evidence throughout the investigation.
The police had requested assistance in retrieving information from various platforms, including Instagram and WhatsApp, as well as call logs. This highlights the multifaceted approach taken by law enforcement to gather comprehensive evidence in the case.
The Charges Against Ebit Lew
Ebit Lew, aged 39, faces a total of 11 charges, including the serious allegation of outraging the modesty of a woman in her 40s. The charges stem from incidents that allegedly occurred between March and June 2021, during which he is accused of sending obscene messages to the complainant’s phone via WhatsApp. The legal framework under which he is charged is Section 509 of the Penal Code, which carries severe penalties, including a maximum sentence of five years in prison, a fine, or both upon conviction.
Conclusion and Next Steps
As the trial continues, the court is set to resume proceedings on March 11. The testimonies and forensic evidence presented thus far have painted a complex picture of the interactions between Ebit Lew and the complainant. The case not only raises important questions about digital communication and privacy but also highlights the challenges faced by law enforcement in navigating the intricacies of cyber evidence.
The outcome of this trial will likely have significant implications, not only for the individuals involved but also for broader discussions surrounding sexual harassment and the responsibilities of public figures. As the legal process unfolds, the public remains keenly interested in the developments of this high-profile case.