Teen suspects in Zara Qairina case plead not guilty to bullying, media cannot reveal their identities

The five teenagers charged for bullying Zara Qairina Mahathir, which allegedly led to her death, have pleaded not guilty in Malaysia's Juvenile Court at Kota Kinabalu today (Aug. 20).

The accused, all teenage girls under 18 years old, faced a charge of verbal harassment through threatening and abusive language towards the 13-year-old victim.

The deputy public prosecutor said that the words the girls had allegedly used against Zara Qairina were heard by her and caused her distress, Malay Mail reported.

Under the charge, they faced a maximum of one year's imprisonment, a fine, or both.

The judge also granted a bail of RM5,000 (S$1,500), with RM1,000 (S$300) as deposit, and one surety per accused.

A second and third hearing have also been set for Sep. 25 and Oct. 16, with trials from Dec. 8 to 12, and Dec. 15 to 19.

Gag order

The lawyer representing Zara's family said on Aug. 20 that a gag order has been issued on the case, which means that the media will not be able to publish images or report on any of the five alleged bullies involved.

"Don’t misunderstand. This is not about covering up and protecting anyone in power, this is as per the law to protect the children," the lawyer said, Malay Mail quoted.

The gag order was reportedly applied by one of the lawyers who was representing one of the accused pro bono, on the basis of protecting the children's interest and identities as mandated by the law.

The gag will apply to all ongoing and future court proceedings related to the case, including the pre-trial management and trial.

The teenagers arrived at court on Aug. 20 in vehicles with blacked-out windows and entered the court via a private entrance, Malay Mail said.

The court session was also reportedly closed, preventing anyone besides the prosecutors and lawyers into the courtroom.

Zara's death

Zara was found unconscious at the foot of her school dormitory on Jul. 16 after allegedly falling from the third floor.

She later died in hospital on Jul. 17.

Her death led to widespread protests around the country after rumours of a cover-up of bullying by authorities emerged.

An inquest into her death is also set to take place from Sep. 3.

On Aug. 19, it was announced that the five alleged bullies would be charged in court on Aug. 20 for verbal harassment.

Zara'a family then requested that a harsher penalty be used against them, which would directly link all five teenagers to Zara's death and could result in 10 years' imprisonment.

However, the Attorney-General's Chambers (AGC) said in a statement on Aug. 19 that they would proceed with the original charge, based on a "thorough review" of the investigation.

This marks the first time that anti-bullying laws will be used in a case in Malaysia.

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