In a groundbreaking legal development, a 37-year-old man is set to become the first individual ever charged under the newly established Section 507A of the Penal Code for stalking. The man's alleged actions have sent shockwaves through the community as he faces charges related to stalking and sexually harassing a prominent female photographer over a span of several years.
The accused reportedly engaged in a distressing and alarming pattern of behavior directed at the photographer, including sending explicit images of himself and relentlessly pursuing her even across international borders. His actions culminated in a series of incidents that have led to charges under the groundbreaking Section 507A.
Source: Acacia Diana
Petaling Jaya OCPD Asst Comm Mohamad Fakhrudin Abdul Hamid confirmed that the accused will be presented in the Shah Alam court on August 10 to face the charges, marking a significant moment in the country's legal history.
Section 507A of the Penal Code, a newly minted addition to the law, specifically defines stalking as a repetitive course of harassment intended to cause distress, alarm, or fear for an individual's safety. This legislative step highlights the recognition of the serious psychological impact that stalking can have on victims and aims to provide a legal avenue for justice in such cases.
The accused's actions came to the attention of authorities after reports of online sexual harassment against the female photographer emerged in 2018. The victim, identified as Acacia Diana, took to social media in July to share her harrowing experience of enduring nearly eight years of stalking and sexual harassment. Her courage in sharing her story played a crucial role in bringing attention to the issue and highlighting the need for stronger legal measures to combat such behavior.
Diana recounted how the accused continued to haunt her life, even sending explicit images to her since April of the current year. The emotional toll of such prolonged harassment cannot be understated, and her bravery in speaking out has spurred conversations around online harassment and stalking.
Read her tweets regarding the stalking incident below, or click here to read it on Twitter:
Story Time. The Stalking & Sexual Harassment case of 8 years.
— Acacia Diana (@ShaFoShizzle) July 13, 2023
1.I always wanted to share about wonderful things & stories from the world. Unfortunately today I have to share about something utterly disgusting. Even more unfortunate, its happening to me. pic.twitter.com/b3ZOx48qqZ
In a twist following the viral attention on the case, reports emerged that the accused had been committed to a mental institution for treatment.
As the accused faces charges that could set a precedent for future cases involving stalking, the nation watches closely to see how the legal system will respond to this unique intersection of technological harassment, personal safety, and mental health concerns.
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