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Malaysians call for Zara’s bullies to be charged after new evidence uncovered
Under a new anti-bullying law, those found guilty can be jailed for up to 10 years if their victim dies as a result of their actions
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Malaysians call for prosecutors to press charges over the case of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, after police said they found evidence of bullying in the reopened investigation into her death.
Zara died on July 17 after she fell from the third floor of her Islamic school dormitory in the Papar district in the east Malaysian state of Sabah.
Her death sparked an uproar, with rumours of foul play and cover ups fanning existing anger at a perceived culture of impunity and a justice system bent to serve the rich and powerful.
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Claims that she had been a victim of bullying by other students, as well as questionable investigation by the state police, led to intense speculation across the country, which erupted into rare protests in several cities last week.
Under an anti-bullying law that came into effect on July 11 – just days before Zara’s death – those found guilty can be jailed for up to 10 years if their victim dies as a result of their actions.
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Zara’s body was exhumed on Friday following instructions from the Attorney General’s Chambers.
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