Zara Qairina's alleged bullies, 5 teen girls, to be charged on Aug. 20 & face up to 1 years' jail

Five teenage girls will be charged this morning (Aug. 20) for alleged offences linked to the case of Zara Qairina Mahathir, Bernama reported.

The 13-year-old student died after being found unconscious outside her school dormitory in Sabah, eastern Malaysia.

It is alleged that the five suspects engaged in bullying of Zara Qairina.

According to Bernama, the suspects arrived at Kota Kinabalu's Children's Court in the morning of Aug. 20 in a van escorted by police vehicles.

The five suspects will be charged under Section 507C (1) of the Penal Code, which relates to the offence of using or making any threatening or abusive language or communication.

This charge carries a maximum penalty of one years' imprisonment, a fine or both.

Lawyer asked for different charge with harsher penalty

Previously, Zara Qairina's family lawyer suggested charging the alleged offenders under a different offence.

Under the new section, the five teenagers could be charged for "causing a person to believe that harm will be caused".

The penalty for this would be up to 10 years' imprisonment, a fine or both.

If found guilty, it would be implied that the alleged bullies' actions had caused Zara to commit suicide.

However, the Malaysian Attorney-General's Chamber (AGC) decided not to do so.

Malaysia AGC said no

In a statement on Aug. 19, the AGC said its decision was based on a "thorough review" of the investigation, Bernama reported.

The prosecution is only related to the bullying, and not Zara Qairina's death.

The AGC said the decision is "grounded on evidence and facts" from the completed investigation.

An inquest proceeding must still be conducted to determine the actual cause of Zara Qairina's death.

Top image via Malaysian media.