Five teens claim trial in bullying case linked to Zara's death

Five teenagers accused of bullying 13-year-old schoolgirl Zara Qairina Mahathir have claimed trial at the Kota Kinabalu Children's Court today.

The group appeared before judge Elsie Primus and faced charges under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code, read with Section 34, for allegedly making threatening or insulting communications with common intention.

They face up to one year in prison, a fine, or both.

Primus ordered each accused to be released on RM5,000 bail, with RM1,000 to be deposited.

Their identities are withheld under the Child Act 2001, which prohibits publishing names, images, or any information on minors that could lead to their identification.

Ram Singh, Elmer Prem Gunasan and Joan Goh appeared for the first accused, while Azhier Farhan Arisin, Abdul Fikry Jaafar, Farah Nazriah Chun Lee, Fareez Salleh and Sylvester Kuan represented the remaining four.

The prosecution team comprised Nor Azizah Mohamad, Nik Haslinie Hashim and Deepa Nair Thevaharan.

The court also imposed a gag order restricting parties involved in the case from disclosing details to the public. Ram applied for the order.

‘Justice for Zara’

Zara was found unconscious at her school in Papar on 16 July and died the following day.

Her death has triggered a wave of public vigils in Sabah and beyond under the banner “Justice for Zara”, and reignited debate on whether Malaysia’s laws are adequate to address bullying that escalates into serious harm.

The Sabah Law Society and lawyers representing Zara’s family were granted permission to hold a watching brief, but later vacated the courtroom after the gag order was made.

Deputy public prosecutor Azizah confirmed the case will be mentioned again on Sept 25.

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