Man cleared of rape and sexual assault charges involving 12-year-old girl
A Sessions Court in Kuala Terengganu acquitted a 22-year-old man of three rape and sexual assault charges involving a 12-year-old, finding the prosecution’s case insufficient.
In Kuala Terengganu, a Sessions Court acquitted a 22-year-old man of three charges of rape and sexual assault alleged to have occurred on June 28, 2023, involving a 12-year-old girl. Judge Mohd Zul Zakiqudin Zulkifli concluded that the prosecution, led by Deputy public prosecutor Nur Azhani Azman, could not prove a prima facie case due to inconsistencies across the victim’s recorded statements, police report, and medical report, as well as uncorroborated witness testimony.
The court highlighted conflicting accounts regarding the date and the alleged incident inside a car, and noted the delayed filing of the police report. Defense lawyer Che Amir Che Musa did not present any testimony. The court discharged the accused on all counts and ordered the return of his RM12,000 bail.
Why it matters
The verdict underscores the evidentiary challenges in prosecuting sexual assault cases with inconsistent testimony.
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