Kota Kinabalu: Lawyers representing the five teenage girls charged with allegedly using insulting language against Zara Qairina Mahathir have clarified that their legal services were provided on a pro bono basis.
Counsel Datuk Ram Singh, who represented one of the teenagers, said his client is a minor and not related to any influential figures, contrary to speculation circulating on social media.
Ram said the family of the teenager had approached him to seek for a legal aid and he agreed to represent her on a pro bono basis.
He said as a father himself, he was moved emotionally and instinctively to assist.
“At the same time, I also want to stress that we are representing them not because my client is a child of a VVIP,” he said.
Ram said this when met before the proceedings of the charges against the five teenagers, which took place at the Court For Children on Wednesday.
Similarly, a team of lawyers, Azhier Farhan Arisin, Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah, Fareez Salleh, and Sylvester Kuan, who represent the remaining four teenagers, also confirmed that their services were rendered voluntarily and without charge.
Azhier also said their clients have no connections with any VVIPs, despite what has been suggested online.
He added that the teenagers have the right to present their defence in court and to have access to legal counsel, irrespective of their social or economic background.
Following the proceedings, a police van transporting the five girls was seen leaving the Kota Kinabalu Court Complex at approximately 2:05pm, under tight police escort.
The destination of the vehicle remains undisclosed.
Counsel Datuk Ram Singh, who represented one of the teenagers, said his client is a minor and not related to any influential figures, contrary to speculation circulating on social media.
Ram said the family of the teenager had approached him to seek for a legal aid and he agreed to represent her on a pro bono basis.
He said as a father himself, he was moved emotionally and instinctively to assist.
“At the same time, I also want to stress that we are representing them not because my client is a child of a VVIP,” he said.
Ram said this when met before the proceedings of the charges against the five teenagers, which took place at the Court For Children on Wednesday.
Similarly, a team of lawyers, Azhier Farhan Arisin, Abdul Fikry Jaafar Abdullah, Fareez Salleh, and Sylvester Kuan, who represent the remaining four teenagers, also confirmed that their services were rendered voluntarily and without charge.
Azhier also said their clients have no connections with any VVIPs, despite what has been suggested online.
He added that the teenagers have the right to present their defence in court and to have access to legal counsel, irrespective of their social or economic background.
Following the proceedings, a police van transporting the five girls was seen leaving the Kota Kinabalu Court Complex at approximately 2:05pm, under tight police escort.
The destination of the vehicle remains undisclosed.