Social Media Leaks On Zara Inquest May Trigger Probe Police Warn

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Police will review - and if necessary, investigate - any reports on the online circulation of exhibits presented as evidence in the ongoing inquest into the death of Form One student Zara Qairina Mahathir.
Sabah police commissioner Jauteh Dikun assured that any police complaints would be assessed before deciding on potential further action.
“The Coroner's Court has its own jurisdiction, but if a report is lodged, police will investigate and determine whether action should be taken,” New Straits Times quoted him as saying today.
Jauteh (above) also urged the public to act responsibly on social media, calling for users to avoid spreading information that could jeopardise the inquest’s proceedings.
ADSEarlier today, the Coroner’s Court issued a stern warning to the public against publishing or sharing on social media exhibits presented in the inquest into Zara’s death.
Judge Amir Shah Amir Hassan delivered the reminder following a formal complaint that some exhibits have been leaked online, emphasising that such actions are liable to be treated as contempt of court.
The inquest into Zara’s death entered its third day of proceedings, with the court hearing the testimony of Nurul Atiqah Mohd Noh, 44, a document examiner attached to the Document Examination Division of the Forensic Science Analysis Centre, under the Chemistry Department in Petaling Jaya, Selangor.
She testified to having received 21 evidence bags, containing four notebooks, two textbooks, and 15 sheets of paper, all identified as belonging to the deceased.
Previously, a Facebook account had reportedly shared images of paper sheets allegedly containing Zara’s handwriting.
Several reports received
Jauteh further said probes are ongoing against a previously detained suspect for the case involving forensic pathologist Dr Jessie Hiu, who lodged a police report after she received online threats over her testimony in the coroner’s inquest on Zara’s death.
“Police have also received several other reports related to this inquest, and further updates will be provided in due course,” he added.
Zara Qairina MahathirZara, a 13-year-old student from Papar, was found injured and unconscious on school grounds on July 16. Despite being brought to the hospital, she succumbed to her injuries the next day.
The case is believed to have been linked to months of bullying, with five teenagers being charged with allegedly bullying her.
The ongoing inquest is a separate court proceeding to ascertain the circumstances surrounding her death. - Mkini

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