Gag order still active in Zara Qairina bullying case, lawyers confirm
KOTA KINABALU, Sept 24 — Lawyers in the bullying case involving 13-year-old student Zara Qairina Mahathir today confirmed that a gag order remains in place, limiting public discussion of the proceedings.
Zara was found unconscious at her boarding school dormitory in Papar on July 16. Police initially classified the case as sudden death, but an inquest was ordered following public pressure and questions raised by her family.
On August 5, the Attorney General’s Chambers (AGC) charged five of Zara’s schoolmates with using abusive words against her the night before she was found.
The gag order was sought by lawyers for the accused students on Aug 20, who cited concerns about ensuring a fair trial free from prejudice.
“For now, the gag order is still active,” said Datuk Ram Singh, counsel for the first accused child.
He was responding to questions on whether an application would be made to have the gag order struck out, given that a separate and open inquest into Zara’s death is also ongoing.
In a separate development, Ram said he had requested the court to initiate contempt proceedings against Warisan president Datuk Seri Shafie Apdal for controversial comments made during a political event last week.
The move was supported by the Sabah Law Society and the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam).
However, Shafie has already been issued a show cause letter, which he must respond to within seven days, effective this Tuesday.
“We will wait for the AGC to decide on that and we can reapply again,” said Ram.
Meanwhile, Sessions Court judge Elsie Primus also allowed representatives from the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) to hold a watching brief, effectively allowing them to observe the proceedings.
The case is set for mention again on October 16.
