Aussie bros who wore Malaysian flag undies sent home without conviction
Ignorance has proven to truly be the best defence, at least if you're dragged before a Malaysian court for causing national controversy.
Nine Australians who spent four nights in police detention after stripping down to skimpy swimsuits printed with the Malaysian flag at the Formula One Grand Prix, have walked free Thursday. The group of me were not charged, after pleading guilty to causing a public nuisance and apologising.
Adding fuel to the media bonfire that was the incident, the company behind the now infamous swimming trunks, Budgy Smuggler, posted their support for the men on their Instagram account wishing the group a speedy and safe return home.
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The families of the men flew to Malaysia as the police said the group faced potential two-year prison sentences.
Defence lawyer Muhammad Shafee Abdullah said the court accepted his argument that it was a trivial offence and that the nine, who chose suits over swimwear for their court appearance, were ignorant of the local culture and remorseful.
Shafee said their actions were not illegal in most countries, including Australia. "We are sensitive about it, but they didn't know. They sincerely thought it was a respect and a celebration with Malaysians," Shafee said. "They have been admonished by the court and released without conviction," he added.
Ricciardo, the driver whose success inspired the Australians' beer-fueled revelry, described the incident as pretty harmless. "I respect the laws of Malaysia, but beyond that I don't think they deserve any further punishment," Ricciardo told The Daily Telegraph.
Twitter users were a little less forgiving of the act and the returning men.
Associated Press contributed to this report.
