KUCHING, March 27 -- A total of 13 men claimed trial in the Magistrates' Court here to a charge of rioting while using objects capable of being used as weapons at an eatery along Jalan Kuching City Mall.

The accused, aged between 20 and 34, pleaded not guilty before Senior Assistant Registrar Abdurrahman Abrar Jarni to the charge under Section 148 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum term of five years' imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.

They allegedly committed the offence at the eatery around 10.30pm on March 17.

Deputy public prosecutor Muhammad Aidil Akmal Sharidan sought bail of RM5,000 with one local surety for each accused to ensure their attendance at all court proceedings.

Defence counsel Ralph Lee, represen...