Malaysian believer put on trial for believing in Abdullah Hashem

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) expresses grave concern over the recent arrest and human rights violations against one of its members, Mohd Tarmizi bin Mond Ariffin, a 39-year-old freelance wiring technician and believer of the faith since 3 April 2024.

On 4 June 2025, officers from the Pahang Islamic Religious Department (JAIP) conducted a raid at Mohd Tarmizi’s residence in Kuantan, Pahang, Malaysia, at approximately 8:00 AM. He was subsequently detained for 24 hours at the Kuantan District Police Headquarters.

On 5 June 2025, Mohd Tarmizi was released on bail totaling RM3,300, paid by his sister. No official documentation was provided aside from the bail bond receipts for two separate charges.

Court proceedings are scheduled as follows:

• 11 June 2025 at the Shariah High Court, where he will face charges of spreading false doctrines

11 July 2025 at the Shariah Lower Court, for possession of banned religious materials

During his detention, Mohd Tarmizi was denied access to legal representation, prevented from making phone calls, and was not presented with any official documentation regarding his arrest or the charges. These acts constitute clear violations of fundamental human rights, including the right to due process and legal defense.

The Malaysian Outreach team notes that the nature of this raid, arrest, and legal process differs significantly from previous cases involving members of the AROPL community in Malaysia. Notably, no media statements were issued, and court summonses were not officially delivered — suggesting a possible coordinated effort between JAIP and the police to suppress information and prevent communication with AROPL Headquarters in the UK.

The Outreach team is especially concerned that the legal proceedings may take place in a closed trial, without a fair opportunity for defense. In light of this, it is proposed that Mohd Tarmizi deny the charges during his initial hearing and request a full trial to allow legal aid and human rights advocacy to mobilize.

Ongoing persecution of AROPL in Malaysia

This incident is part of a broader pattern of state-led religious persecution in Malaysia. The Malaysian government has issued a controversial religious decree labeling the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light (AROPL) as “deviant” and incompatible with Sunni Islam, as declared by the 124th National Council for Islamic Religious Affairs (MKI). This ruling threatens the fundamental right to freedom of religion.

In recent years, multiple AROPL members in Malaysia have been targeted for peacefully expressing their beliefs and supporting marginalized groups, including the LGBTQ community. Among the many disturbing cases is the arrest of a 60-year-old retired firefighter, detained simply for speaking publicly about AROPL teachings.

Call to action

The Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light urges the international human rights community, including organizations such as Amnesty International, to stand against this injustice. We call on the Malaysian government to immediately drop all charges against Mohd Tarmizi and to uphold the constitutional right to religious freedom for all citizens.

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