A social media influencer appeared in two separate Sessions Courts here on Tuesday, facing charges of rape and sexual assault against two teenage girls last month.
Muhammad Iman Hazriq Azizan, 23, pleaded not guilty to both charges when they were read before Judges Tasnim Abu Bakar and Mohd Kafli Che Ali.
In front of Judge Tasnim, Muhammad Iman Hazriq was charged with raping a 15-year-and-six-month-old girl in a condominium room in Wangsa Maju between 1pm and 8pm on January 22. The charge was made under Section 375(g) of the Penal Code and carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping if convicted, under Section 376(1) of the same code.
Before Judge Mohd Kafli, he was also charged with committing physical sexual assault against another 16-year-old girl for sexual purposes at the same location, date, and time. This charge falls under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which also carries a maximum of 20 years’ imprisonment and possible whipping if convicted.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Noor Shakira Aliana Alias proposed bail of RM15,000 for each charge, with additional conditions requiring the surrender of the accused’s passport, monthly reporting to the nearest police station, and a prohibition on interfering with the prosecution’s witnesses, victims, or their families until the case concludes.
Defense lawyer Mohamad Akmal Mohd Taufik requested a reduction in bail, noting that his client is single, supports his parents and two school-going siblings, earns RM2,000 per month as a shoe store salesperson, and has cooperated fully with the police throughout the investigation, presenting no flight risk.
Judges Tasnim and Mohd Kafli granted bail of RM10,000 for each charge with one surety, along with the conditions requested by the prosecution.
The courts set March 4 and April 2 for the next case mentions.
