Tom Félix acquitted in Malaysia: the end of a legal nightmare lasting over two years

After more than twenty-one months in detention and the the threat of the death penalty hanging over his head, Tom Félix, a 34-year-old French national, was acquitted and released by the Malaysian courts. The decision was handed down on Tuesday, February 3, by the Alor Setar High Court in northwestern Malaysia, bringing an end to a case that had become emblematic of the legal risks associated with the world’s strictest anti-drug policies.

«In this case, the court was unable to establish proof of guilt… the defendant is therefore acquitted and released,» Judge Evawani Farisyta Mohamma stated during the hearing. The decision was met with relief by Tom Félix’s family, his supporters, and the French authorities involved in this sensitive case.

An arrest in Langkawi with far-reaching consequences

The events date back to August 9, 2023. Based on the tourist island of Langkawi, Tom Félix, a former executive at the Veolia Group and a graduate in aquaculture and marine biology, was preparing to open a restaurant after investing nearly 40,000 euros in the venture. He was staying with his Malaysian business partner when the police raided the home.

Cannabis was then discovered in the common areas of the house. Tom Félix, his business partner, and the latter’s ex-wife were arrested. The Frenchman immediately proclaimed his innocence. DNA tests did not incriminate him, and his co-defendant admitted to receiving the packages containing the cannabis. Despite this evidence, Tom Félix remains in custody, facing a Malaysian law that provides for the death penalty for certain drug-related offenses.

Prison conditions denounced as appalling

During his detention at the Perlis State Prison, Tom Félix lived in conditions described as inhumane by his family and his lawyer. «Tom shares his cell with 37 other inmates. They sleep on the concrete floor, on yoga mats, without a fan. The toilet is a hole in the cell, and the shower is a hose. They are not allowed any exercise time or time outside,» his mother, Sylvie Félix, testified in the spring of 2025.

His lawyer, François Zimeray, noted that his client «spent more than 900 days in appalling conditions of detention.» «It was very hard on him and his parents,» he added after the verdict was announced.

Faced with the legal deadlock, a support committee called “Free Tom Félix” was formed in 2024 to raise public awareness of the case in France. French authorities also stepped up diplomatic efforts. Representatives from the French consulate in Kuala Lumpur made regular visits to the prison, while the case was raised at the highest levels of government.

President Emmanuel Macron personally raised the issue with Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim during the 2024 G20 summit in Rio. Following the acquittal, the president expressed his «immense relief» and extended his «special thoughts» to Tom Félix’s parents.

For the Félix family, the priority now is to arrange for Tom’s return to France and, as much as possible, bring «an end to this nightmare.».