A total of five teenage girls were charged at the Kota Kinabalu Court for Children today for their role in bullying 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir.
They were charged before judge Elsie Primus in closed-door proceedings and pleaded not guilty, reported NST.
They were accused of committing the offence at Block A-3-6 of SMK Agama Tun Datu Mustapha in Limauan, Papar, at around 10pm to 11pm on July 15.
Face up to a year in prison
The five, whose identities are withheld due to them being minors, were charged with uttering abusive words against Zara which could have caused her distress.
The charges were framed under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code for causing disturbance, stress, fear, or anxiety, which carries a jail term of up to one year, a fine, or both upon conviction.
The prosecution requested that bail be set at RM5,000 each, with a RM1,000 deposit and one surety for each accused. Sept 25 was also fixed as the date for case mention.
Local media previously reported that lawyers representing Zara’s mother had requested the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) to charge the teens under Section 507D(2) as they believed Section 507C(1) was far too lenient.
Under Section 507D(2), which covers causing someone to fear that harm may occur, carries up to 10 years’ imprisonment, a fine, or both upon conviction.
The AGC defended its decision to charge the teens under Section 507C(1), saying it was based on its review of the investigation papers and evidence gathered by the police.
However, it assured that it will not affect police investigations into Zara’s death, including the inquest proceedings that will take place in court.
Summary of events
Zara was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory in Papar district on July 16 after she was believed to have fallen from the third floor of her hostel.
She died the following day at Queen Elizabeth Hospital and was buried in her hometown in Sipitang.
Her death has since triggered widespread anger over the rise of bullying cases across the country, with Malaysians taking to the streets to demand justice and accountability over the tragedy.
Investigations also revealed that elements of bullying, neglect, and sexual harassment had occurred prior to Zara’s passing.
Read more about the case here:
