Zara inquest: AGC red cards FB user for contempt; lawyers harassed

Tensions over the ongoing inquest into the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir remain heightened.

In developments today, the Attorney-General’s Chambers (AGC) issued a show-cause notice against a Facebook user over alleged contempt of court.

A former school principal has also been charged over threats against the pathologist in the case, while the Sabah Law Society (SLS) claimed that lawyers involved in the case are also facing harassment.

In the first case, the AGC served the show-cause notice over remarks by a woman accused of challenging the testimony of forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu and risked influencing public perception of the inquest.

The chambers added that criminal charges against several other individuals who had commented on the case online would be filed soon.

Meanwhile, at the Kota Kinabalu Sessions Court, former school principal Kamul Kamarudin, 61, claimed trial to a charge of sending threatening messages to Hiu.

According to Berita Harian, Kamul is accused of making remarks implying that the pathologist should be stalked, and that someone should be hired to carry out a hit-and-run.

He was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act, which criminalises online harassment and threats.

It is punishable with a jail sentence of up to one year, or a fine of up to RM50,000.

The inquest, which has so far heard evidence from six witnesses, is examining the circumstances surrounding Zara’s fall from the third floor of her school dormitory in May 2024.

Hiu became a target of vitriol after testifying that forensics indicate Zara jumped from the school, instead of being pushed or accidentally falling.

More harassment

Separately, SLS voiced concern over mounting threats and harassment against lawyers involved in the inquest, including those holding a watching brief.

“Abuse or harassment against lawyers, whether online or otherwise, is unacceptable and an affront to the rule of law,” said SLS president Nazim Maduarin.

He stressed that lawyers were fulfilling their professional duty as officers of the court, ensuring that all parties were properly represented.

“To target or threaten them for this is to undermine the justice system itself,” he added.

Zara found in drain unconscious with bloody neck, guard says

Zara inquest: Mannequin used to simulate fall produced in court

No bruises, signs of abuse found on Zara's body: Doctor

Zara's handwritten note, bloodstained journal among exhibits in inquest