【】contributed to this report.
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. 。
SEE ALSO:9 men jailed after stripping down to undies featuring Malaysia's flag 。Malaysia Nine: Top lawyers recruited by Aussie F1 fans who were arrested on Sunday. https://t.co/OBg7gvOqdY #7News https://t.co/ofktz84HWL。
— 7 News Queensland (7NewsQuensland) October 5, 2016 。
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. 。
To win the Photo of the Month it always helps if there's a little bit of a story behind the photo. I think it's safe to say the Budgy 9 are in the lead for October. We've produced over 50 flags without international incident and it is genuinely meant as a sign of embracing cultures and also often for people from other countries to embrace an Australian tradition. No offence was intended in the production of the pairs. Wishing the boys a safe trip home. Bring them home. 。
Oct 6, 2016 at 2:00am PDT 。
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Thanks for signing up! 。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. 。
SEE ALSO:Australia's government is sick of telling citizens to behave overseas 。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. 。 The nine men as they arrive at court for their trial.Credit: Rahman Roslan/Getty Images 。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 。
The Daily Telegraph 。
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Twitter users were a little less forgiving of the act and the returning men. 。
The #budgie9 are flying home; white privilege gives you wings. pic.twitter.com/nQMc0pt5j5。
— Murri 2.0 (handsomemurri) October 6, 2016 。
'Never thought it was inappropriate' says group of rich white men who have never before had to question their entitlement. #budgie9 。
— Lorraine Walsh (lorrainemwalsh) October 6, 2016 。 It just shows going to a private school doesn't buy class or teach you respect for all countries customs dumbasses #budgie9 。
— Dinkidie aka Dianna (dinkidie) October 6, 2016。Associated Press 。contributed to this report. 。