Imagine being attacked simply for doing your job as a journalist. That's exactly what happened to Haresh Deol, a co-founder of the Twentytwo13 news website, in a shocking incident that has raised concerns about press safety. In a recent development, a 37-year-old man, R Krishnan, pleaded guilty in a Kuala Lumpur magistrates’ court to assaulting Deol outside the Tanjung Balai Group premises in Bangsar on November 25. But here's where it gets even more unsettling: Krishnan wasn’t alone—an unnamed accomplice remains at large, leaving many to wonder if this was a targeted act or a random outburst of violence.
The assault, which occurred as Deol was entering his car, has sparked widespread outrage. Krishnan was charged under Section 323 of the Penal Code for voluntarily causing hurt, an offense that could land him in jail for up to a year, slap him with a fine of up to RM2,000, or both. Magistrate Illi Marisqa Khalizan granted Krishnan bail of RM2,000 with one surety and set January 22, 2026, as the sentencing date. Deputy public prosecutor Hench Goh led the prosecution, while lawyer Salihen Mastor represented Krishnan.
And this is the part most people miss: attacks on journalists aren’t just about physical harm—they’re an assault on the very foundation of free speech and democracy. While Krishnan’s guilty plea brings some closure, the case leaves lingering questions. Was this a personal vendetta, or does it signal a broader threat to media professionals? The fact that one suspect is still at large only adds to the unease.
This incident serves as a stark reminder of the risks journalists face daily to bring us the news. But here’s the controversial question: Are we doing enough to protect those who keep us informed? Share your thoughts in the comments—do you think more needs to be done to safeguard journalists, or is this an isolated incident? Let’s keep the conversation going.
