Suspect in prison dies before trial date, family seeks justice

Summary

• A 32-year-old prison inmate dies in a hospital, with the family alleging foul play.

• The deceased’s sister claims her brother’s body had bruises, broken teeth, and marks resembling burns and caning.

• The Prison Department says the case is under police investigation.

A 32-year-old Pengkalan Chepa Prison inmate in Kelantan died in a hospital allegedly under suspicious circumstances before his scheduled court date, prompting his family to demand justice.

The deceased, Mohamad Rahiefi Mohamad Nor, had been transferred from the Pasir Puteh police station to Pengkalan Chepa Prison on Nov 18.

According to his sister Zealeha Mohamed Nor, the family visited him on Dec 7 and found him bruised, barely able to speak, and in a semi-conscious state.

“When we asked, a friend of his claimed that my brother had hurt himself. However, Rahiefi had no history of mental illness or self-harm. His condition was alarming,” she told Malaysiakini.

She added that Rahiefi was in prison for allegedly stealing a motorcycle and possessing drugs.

The family has since lodged a police report on the matter.

‘Bruises on the body’

According to the report, on Dec 11, the family received a call from the prison informing them that Rahiefi had lost consciousness and was admitted to Raja Perempuan Zainab II Hospital.

Upon arrival, they were informed that Rahiefi had suffered severe injuries - including head trauma, bruises, broken teeth, and marks resembling burns and caning.

Despite medical intervention, Rahiefi succumbed to his injuries and the family alleged foul play.

Zealeha stated that her brother should have been protected in custody while awaiting his trial date.

“We don’t understand how someone in state custody can sustain such injuries. We want answers and demand justice for my brother,” she said.

When contacted, a Prison Department spokesperson, who requested anonymity, said the case is now under police investigation.

Malaysiakini has reached out to the Kelantan police for comments.

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