Six men pleaded not guilty at the Johor Bahru Magistrate's Court today to rioting, which resulted in injuries, in front of Surau Austin Perdana on May 5.

Among those charged was Toh Chai Eun, 28, the driver of a vehicle, who was accused of sparking off the fracas by honking incessantly during Friday prayers.

Toh had apparently honked because his car was being blocked by other vehicles parked outside the surau.

This had enraged those at the mosque, who assaulted Toh. Video clips of the incident had gone viral on social media.

Toh later apologised while the following Friday, the surau committee had put up a banner requesting those attending the prayers to park their vehicles in an orderly manner.

Meanwhile, the others charged were Nor Haszman Hashim, 46, Norfriandika Kusuma, 22, Robert Anak Bajak, 55, Haslan Masahat, 55, and Muhamad Akhmarul Naim Amir, 22.

According to Bernama, all of them claimed trial before Magistrate Salina Omar.

They were charged with committing the offence at about 1.30 pm under Section 147 of the Penal Code which carries a maximum jail term of two years or a fine, or both, upon conviction.

Salina allowed them bail of RM1,000 with one surety each and fixed July 17 for mention.

DPP Muhammad Mohd Nasir conducted the prosecution while the accused were unrepresented.