Mother, lawyer seek to meet rape victim in Indonesian embassy safehouse
The mother of an Indonesian domestic helper who was allegedly raped by Perak exco Paul Yong today claimed she has been denied access to see her daughter at the Indonesian Embassy safehouse in Kuala Lumpur.
Lawyer Gabriel Susayan told Malaysiakini that he was approached by the victim's mother, identified as Tina, to assist the prosecution in Yong's ongoing trial...
The mother of an Indonesian domestic helper who was allegedly raped by Perak exco Paul Yong today claimed she has been denied access to see her daughter at the Indonesian Embassy safehouse in Kuala Lumpur.
Lawyer Gabriel Susayan told Malaysiakini that he was approached by the victim's mother, identified as Tina, to assist the prosecution in Yong's ongoing trial.
"We are very concerned about the victim's welfare.
"So far the mother was only allowed to meet with her daughter once on Sept 19," said Gabriel, adding that he was approached by his client on the very next day.
On Aug 23, Yong pleaded not guilty at the Ipoh Sessions Court to a charge of raping a domestic worker under his employment.
During a case management session on Sept 24, Gabriel, who is holding a watching brief for the family, had told the court that the alleged victim could be a "political pawn".
He told Malaysiakini today the concern was raised by his client based on her one and only meeting with the alleged victim.
Gabriel also claimed that his team's subsequent attempts to meet with the alleged victim had also failed, as they are still awaiting permission from the Attorney-General's Chambers.
"We are puzzled as to why is it taking so long for the authorities to permit us to meet with the victim.
"She is not only the victim of alleged rape but also the victim of many speculations. As of today, we have not been able to get any information from her to verify the speculations.
"All that we know is that she is in state of fear and pleading with her mother to take her back home," he said, adding that the victim's mother was in Kuala Lumpur for almost a month and will return home later today.
Malaysiakini has contacted the Indonesian Embassy in Kuala Lumpur for comments.
Gabriel further said a meeting with the alleged victim ahead of the case mention date on Oct 22 is necessary for his team to prepare and assist her family.
Earlier this morning, he held a press conference together with Tina to highlight her concerns.
Later, Gabriel told Malaysiakini that he finally received a response from the Attorney-General's Chambers informing them that their request to meet with the victim has been formally rejected.
"No reason was given for the rejection," he said.
The trial will commence from Nov 11 to 15.
Yong, who has taken leave from his official duties, is accused of raping the 23-year-old domestic worker at his residence on July 7.
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