Court warns public against commenting on Bella case

 

Siti Bainun Ahd Razali has been charged with neglecting and abusing a Down syndrome teenager known as Bella. (Bernama pic)

KUALA LUMPUR: Sessions court judge Izralizam Sanusi warned the public today against making comments on social media on the ongoing trial involving Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, who is charged with neglecting and abusing a teenage girl with Down syndrome known as Bella.

Izralizam, who is hearing the trial proceedings, said he agreed that Malaysians have the right to freedom of expression, but legal action could be taken against those who go overboard in their postings on social media.

“The court would like to warn and remind the public, especially the public gallery, not to make slanderous comments that are sub judice or in contempt of court.

“If such things happen, I believe that the prosecution can take appropriate action against the individuals involved because it clearly violates the law of contempt of court and sub judice,” he said.

He said the trial was still ongoing and the fifth prosecution witness, Yasmin Nahar Mahmood, had not finished testifying.

“Do not overstep the law. There is a code of ethics for lawyers while the prosecution and the public are subject to the law.

“The trial still has a long way to go and the fifth prosecution witness is still under cross-examination, so keep your comments that are sub judice and slanderous to yourself.

“Do not spread them for the sake of gaining followers that can affect the course of this case,” said the judge.

Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Nor Azizah Mohamad told the court that there were comments related to the case made by the public on social media.

“I would like to ask the court to warn the public against making postings that could be prejudicial to this case,” she said.

Echoing the same sentiment, Baljit Singh Sidhu, the lawyer appointed by the Johor crown prince Tunku Ismail Sultan Ibrahim to hold a watching brief in the trial, said the issue also involved officers of the court.

Today’s proceedings were cut short after Yasmin, a former Rumah Bonda resident, was not fit to testify.

The hearing continues on May 30. - FMT