Shamsul Iskandar Mohd Akin, the MP for Bukit Katil, Melaka, and two other people were charged today in the Sessions Court for participating in a 'Blackout 505' rally in a prohibited area last June.

Shamsul Iskandar, 39, who is Angkatan Muda Keadilan (AMK) chief, his deputy Khairul Anuar Ahmad Zainuddin, 36, and vice-chief Mohd Nazree Mohd Yunus, 29, pleaded not guilty after the charge was read out to them before Judge Mat Ghani Abdullah.

They were charged with participating in the rally in the compound of the Ar-Rahman Mosque at Universiti Malaya here between noon and 1.15 pm on June 22. The charge under the Peaceful Assembly Act provides for a maximum fine of RM20,000 upon conviction.

The court released them on a RM2,000 bond without security and set Sept 23 for case management.

DPP Nurul Huda Aini appeared for the prosecution while Shamsul Iskandar was represented by counsel Yusmadi Yusoff. Khairul Anuar and Mohd Nazree were represented by counsel A. Jeyaseelen.