Raja Petra released on bail

Raja Petra Kamaruddin (RPK) who was charged for sedition on Tuesday at the Petaling Jaya Magistrate's court was released on bail at 9.30 am today.

His wife, Marina Lee Abdullah, posted bail of RM5,000 yesterday after RPK finally agreed to it.

Raja Petra had declined to meet visitors, including his wife, since Tuesday, when he was taken to Sg Buloh prison after refusing to post bail.

Speaking to to reporters after his release, Raja Petra said he had declined to meet anyone as there was not much to be done except await his trial, which is scheduled for October.

However, prison authorities urged him to seek release due to concerns over his personal safety (read here) in prison, he said.

Raja Petra also said he had not eaten anything since he was taken to prison.

On Wednesday night (May 7) some 100 Malaysians stood in vigil with lighted candles outside the Sungai Buloh prison in solidarity with Raja Petra.

Last night police detained three men (one of whom was lawyer/activist/blogger Haris Ibrahim read here and here) who were among some 100 people who had gathered at Dataran Merdeka 8pm to protest against RPK's arrest.

The crowd dispersed peacefully after an hour but the three were detained for questioning and were subsequently released, according to Bernama.