Baling Case Reclassified As Statutory Rape Say Police

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Kedah police chief Adzli Abu Shah says the victim had ‘willingly’ participated in the acts.
Kedah police chief Adzli Abu Shah said the victim had sex with each of the four suspects at various locations, including an empty classroom, a oil palm estate and at her home. (Bernama pic)PETALING JAYA: The recent case of rape involving students at a school in Baling, Kedah, has been reclassified as statutory rape, says state police chief Adzli Abu Shah
He said while the 15-year-old victim may have consented to engage in sexual acts with the suspects, she is underage and cannot be considered mature enough to understand the consequences of her act.
“The case is therefore classified as statutory rape under Section 376 of the Penal Code, as well as Section 8 of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017 for the dissemination of child pornography,” the New Straits Times reported him as saying.
Adzli said the victim had sex with each of the four suspects at various locations, including an empty classroom, a oil palm estate and at her home.
The four accused, aged 15 to 17, are students from the same school. One of them was the victim’s boyfriend.
One of the four has already been expelled. The other three are also set to be expelled.
Adzli said there was also no indication that the videos recorded by the students were sold. They were only shared, including by the victim.
“The videos seized do not show the sexual encounters but depicted other immoral acts involving the victim.
“This case reflects a lack of maturity. Parents must be more vigilant in monitoring their children’s use of gadgets and social media,” he said.
FMT previously reported that the case was being investigated for gang rape and distribution of child pornography. - FMT

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