{
  "id": 8647495,
  "title": "Trial begins for 14 men in Kelantan cross-dressing case",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/trial-begins-for-14-men-in-kelantan-cross-dressing-case",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-20T08:38:16.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "New Straits Times",
    "slug": "new-straits-times",
    "url": "https://www.nst.com.my/news/regional/2026/09/1536958/trial-begins-14-men-kelantan-cross-dressing-case"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "KOTA BARU: The trial commenced today for 14 men charged with wearing androgynous clothing and adopting a feminine demeanor, according to a report from the Lower Syariah Court. Enforcement officers were among the first to provide testimony, with additional witnesses expected to appear in the coming days. Lawyer Muhammad Syarafi Mohd Salleh informed the media that his clients had fully cooperated throughout the proceedings and were subsequently granted bail of RM1,000 each, contingent upon the provision of one surety. The court had previously scheduled the trial to reconvene on January 24, 2026, allowing both the prosecution and defense to finalize necessary documentation. The men were initially indicted in December 2024 at the Troika Residency's multipurpose hall in Jalan Sultan Ibrahim, following their arrest at approximately 11 pm on May 30, 2025, for alleged violations of Section 19(1) of the Syariah Criminal Code (I) Enactment 2019, which criminalizes men engaging in behavior typically associated with women.",
  "summary": "KOTA BARU: The trial of 14 men accused of wearing women's clothing and acting like women began here today, with an enforcement officer taking the stand.",
  "key_points": [
    "Trial begins for 14 men charged with cross-dressing in Kelantan",
    "Enforcement officers testify first, more witnesses expected",
    "Clients granted RM1,000 bail each with one surety"
  ],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "New Straits Times",
        "title": "Trial begins for 14 men in Kelantan cross-dressing case [WATCH]",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/20/trial-begins-for-14-men-in-kelantan-cross-dressing-case-watch",
        "published": "2026-09-20T08:38:16.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}