Death of student in Sabah: 5 teens plead not guilty to bullying in Zara Qairina case
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If convicted, the teenagers face up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine or both.
PHOTO: EPA
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KOTA KINABALU – All five teenagers charged in Sabah, Malaysia, in connection with the bullying of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir
Deputy Public Prosecutor Nor Azizah Mohamad confirmed the charge was framed under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code, read together with Section 35 of the same Code, for using abusive words against the victim.
If convicted, they face up to one year’s imprisonment, a fine or both.
DPP Nor Azizah also confirmed that a gag order was applied for by counsel Ram Singh, restricting the publication of details of the proceedings in line with Section 15 of the Children’s Act 2001.
Sessions Court Judge Elsie Primus, who presided over the proceedings, set Sept 25 for the next mention.
The court granted bail of RM5,000 (S$1,500) each, with RM1,000 to be deposited and one surety required.
Zara was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar on July 16 and died the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
The case has drawn widespread public attention and continues to be closely watched. THE STAR/ASIA NEWS NETWORK
