KUALA LUMPUR – The abuse and negligence trial of the 13-year-old girl with Down Syndrome, Bella, has entered its 11th day today.
The fifth witness, Yasmin Nahar Mahmood, 19, will be cross-examined by the founder of Rumah Bonda, Siti Bainun Ahd Razali’s defence counsel.
Defence counsel, Nur Aminahtul Mardiah Md Nor is scheduled to question Yasmin about the medical report issued by the experts on Bella.
The defence counsel would also show the picture and video of Yasmin during the cross-examination.
Yesterday, Yasmin told the court that Siti Bainun forced Bella to each a whole pot of rice with vinegar, turmeric, salt, soy sauce, chilli and chilli flakes and rotten fried chicken during the fasting month.
Yasmin, who is also a resident of Rumah Bonda said Siti Bainun asked Bella to finish the rice although the teenager was full because she ate and drink secretly when Siti Bainun was not at the shelter.
Yesterday, the defence counsel, Datuk Farhan Maaruf continuously questioned Yasmin about her allegations of Siti Bainun’s abuse on Bella as they were different from the medical reports given by three doctors from the Kuala Lumpur Hospital (HKL).
Farhan also questioned Yasmin’s statement on how Bella was scalded after being soaked in hot water by Siti Bainun but there was no scar on the accused hands.
Siti Bainun, 30, pleaded not guilty on two counts of charges on child neglect an abuse of the person with disability, causing the victim to suffer from physical and emotional wounds at a condominium in Wangsa Maju between February and June 2021.
She was charged under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which provides the maximum jail sentence of 20 years or RM50,000 fine or both upon conviction.
The proceeding is taking place before the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court Judge, Izralizam Sanusi. – MalaysiaGazette
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