A witness in the inquest of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir’s death informed the court that harsh scolding by seniors was a normal part of hostel life.
Image credits: Bernama
‘Circle-19’ was not involved in bullying Zara Qairina
The legal counsel Azhier Farhan Arisin, who represents four of the accused in the ongoing investigation of the death of Zara Qairina Mahathir, clarified that ‘Circle-19’ was not involved in dormitory bullying or the events directly leading to her death.
He said ‘Circle-19’ was merely a student collaboration for school-related activities and were not associated with any form of “dormitory gangsterism“ .
“The witness clearly stated that the ‘Circle-19’ group were not present during the meeting with Zara Qairina and did not involve in surrounding or confronting her on the night of July 15. When asked if the group had any direct connection to the deceased’s death, the witness denied it,“ said Azhier.
“We were expected to endure it”: Child witness describes harsh dorm culture
Meanwhile, the sixth child witness described the environment where harsh scolding and emotional mistreatment by senior students were considered as part of the “tradition”. She also said that juniors were often expected to accept being shouted at and treated aggressively. She added these actions were commonly mirrored even by teachers.
The child witness further recalled hearing someone yelling at Zara Qairina, but it could not be identified who had commanded her to enter the room. Later that night, around 11p.m., she saw Zara left the room crying and this was the last time she saw her that evening.
During her testimony, the witness described that she had asked Zara’s roommates to deliver a personal letter to Zara, but later discovered she had opened it without her consent. At the same time, she found out about Zara’s death.
Zara Qairina was found unconscious at 3a.m. on July 16 on the ground floor of on SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha. Her injuries were consistent with a fall from height.
As of now, the 17-day inquest has heard testimonies from only 14 out of 68 listed witnesses (just 19 percent of the total). The proceedings remain ongoing, with another child eyewitness expected to be called.
Datuk Ram Singh who is representing another child who was charged in this case said that based on the current progress, this inquest might continue until the end of the year.
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Sources: Malaymail, Sinchew Daily, NST
