Akmal Azhar
On the morning of August 20, five teenage girls arrived at the Kota Kinabalu Children’s Court in a police-escorted van to face charges tied to the bullying of 13-year-old student Zara Qairina Mahathir. Their arrival at 8:25 a.m. marked a significant moment in a case that has gripped the nation’s attention. The Attorney-General’s Chambers confirmed that, following a review of the investigation materials submitted by the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), the five minors will be charged under Section 507C(1) of the Penal Code, which covers the use or communication of threatening, abusive, or insulting words.
Charges Limited to Bullying, Not Death
Despite these proceedings, the AGC stressed that the charges pertain solely to bullying and are not connected to Zara Qairina’s death. The inquest into the cause of her passing remains a separate process, scheduled to determine the truth behind the tragedy.
Inquest Scheduled for September
The Coroner’s Court in Kota Kinabalu has fixed the inquest for September 3, aiming to fully uncover the circumstances surrounding Zara Qairina’s death. The proceedings are expected to shed light on unanswered questions and provide clarity for her grieving family and the public.
The Tragic Death of Zara Qairina
Zara was found unconscious in a drain near her school dormitory at Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Agama Tun Datu Mustapha in Papar on July 16. She was rushed to Queen Elizabeth I Hospital in Kota Kinabalu but tragically passed away the following day, sparking nationwide concern and calls for justice.
Zakirin
