In a shocking and disturbing case, two army personnel were charged at the Sessions Court in Kelantan, Malaysia, with the rape of a 10-year-old child. The incident allegedly occurred in Jelawat, Bachok, near the court's location, in April last year.
Mahadi Ismail, 39, and Aizat Hakim Mohammad, 20, both pleaded not guilty to the charges after they were read out before Judge Ahmad Bazli Bahruddin. The charges stated that both accused had raped the same female child, who was then aged 10 years and eight months, during the daytime in April last year.
According to Kosmo, the accused were charged under Section 376(2)(e) of the Penal Code, which carries a minimum imprisonment of 10 years up to not more than 30 years and whipping if found guilty. The prosecution was handled by Deputy Public Prosecutor Kamarul Hasyime Rosli, while the accused were represented by Mohd. Firdaus Zainal Abidin and Majidah Muhamad.
In a significant development, the prosecution did not suggest any bail for the accused, citing the victim's age and vulnerability as a minor. The defense, however, requested bail, arguing that both accused had cooperated fully with the police and had surrendered themselves at the Bachok Police Station previously.
Source: Kosmo!
