Acid attack case closed: Footballer disappointed, lawyers want justice

Summary

• Selangor FC footballer Faisal Abdul Halim is disappointed over the closure of his acid attack case.

• The Attorney-General’s Chambers confirms the decision, stating police efforts to identify suspects have been unsuccessful.

• Faisal’s legal team plans to discuss further steps in the search for justice.

National footballer Faisal Abdul Halim, who suffered severe injuries in an acid attack outside a shopping mall in the Klang Valley on May 5 last year, is disappointed over the closure of the case without any arrests.

His legal team from Mohd Ashraf, Nik Zarith & Co is urging the authorities not to let the matter fade into obscurity and to intensify efforts to find the perpetrator.

"Do not close this case. Give justice to Faisal (above) because even though he has returned to playing, this was undoubtedly a serious injury. The police classified this case under Section 326 of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years.

“This is a serious offence involving a high-profile individual. The outcome of the investigation did not lead to anyone being brought to justice, so he has not received justice.

“For us, this case should not be closed, and the authorities must continue the investigation to arrest the perpetrator. We trust the police - so why label it NFA (No Further Action) and stop here?” asked one of the lawyers during a press conference in Petaling Jaya today.

The attack, which left Faisal with fourth-degree burns and required four surgeries, shocked the nation.

Following the incident, Johor Regent Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim publicly denounced allegations linking him to the crime.

“Some are saying that TMJ is the mastermind, but what has it got to do with me?" he had asked, pointing out that the Selangor FC winger is not a threat to the JDT team.

AGC confirms decision

According to Faisal’s legal representatives, the Attorney-General’s Chambers formally notified them via an official letter that the case has been classified as NFA.

The lawyers revealed they had previously submitted appeals to multiple high-ranking officials, including Dewan Rakyat Speaker Johari Abdul, Dewan Negara President Awang Bemee Awang Ali Basah, Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail, and the Attorney-General’s Chambers, urging continued attention and investigation into the case.

“However, we got a letter from the Attorney-General’s Chambers, whereby we were informed that this case has been classified as no further action.

“The letter also stated that the police were unable to detect any leads which could link this case to any individuals as suspects, and all efforts which were taken for this purpose were unfruitful,” the lawyers said.

The legal team is now expected to hold further discussions with Faisal in light of the latest development

In November, Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed that 23 individuals had been questioned in connection with the attack, and three men were detained, according to Bernama. However, no charges were filed.

Probe into footballer's acid attack case ongoing - IGP

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