The family of the late teenage girl, Zara Qairina, through their legal representatives, has urged the Attorney General’s Chambers to swiftly charge individuals suspected of bullying her prior to her death.
The legal team highlighted that Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director, Dato M. Kumar, revealed during a press conference on Wednesday that investigators have obtained several key pieces of evidence closely related to Zara’s cause of death, including testimonies indicating she was bullied while alive.
“If these statements are admissible in court, we recommend that the Attorney General proceed to charge the individuals under Section 507D(2) of the Penal Code, which covers criminal intimidation, insults, defamation, or other actions likely to cause harm,” the lawyers said. Under this provision, if found guilty, offenders may face up to 10 years in prison, a fine, or both.
Lawyers Shahlan Jufri, Rizwandean M. Borhan and Mohd Luqman Syazwan Zabidi issued a joint statement noting that if charges are brought, there would be no need for an inquest.
They added that if evidence is insufficient to substantiate a Section 507D(2) offense, the police must continue their investigation to strengthen the case. “In such circumstances, the inquest should proceed in parallel, and a decision on formal charges can be made once the investigation concludes.”
The legal team also called on anyone with relevant information to come forward and assist the authorities. “If you have concerns, feel free to contact us directly, and we will provide full support,” they added.
Additionally, in response to earlier accusations blaming Zara’s mother for her death, the lawyers emphasized that the recent police briefing has thoroughly refuted such claims. “The so-called ‘plot twist’ is nothing more than a malicious rumor intended to tarnish our client and Zara.”
Zara Karina, a Form One student, reportedly fell from the third floor of a religious school dormitory in Sabah on July 16. She was suspected to have been bullied prior to the incident and was pronounced dead the following morning at Queen Elizabeth Hospital.
