Trial of 13 Students Accused of Murdering Classmate
Background
Thirteen students of a vocational college in Lahad Datu, Sabah, have been ordered to enter their defence against a charge of jointly murdering their classmate, Nazmie Aizzat Narul Azwan, in March 2024. The case is being heard at the Tawau High Court in Sabah.
The Defence Begins
One of the accused took the stand to present his defence, claiming that he wanted to ask Nazmie about a theft that he allegedly committed. The accused testified that he entered the dormitory room, where he saw Nazmie sitting on the floor surrounded by many people. He then asked everyone to leave so he could be alone with Nazmie, and once they had left, he asked if the allegations were true.
The accused admitted that he slapped Nazmie’s face, struck his shoulder, kicked him in the waist, and stepped on his waist to prevent him from getting up. He also testified that Nazmie did not retaliate during the assault and had only tried to protect himself.
The Accused’s Account
The accused claimed that he was overwhelmed by emotion and anger, and that he slapped Nazmie in the face, causing him to fall by the locker. He then picked him up and repeated his question, but Nazmie still did not confess. The accused also struck Nazmie on the shoulder, kicked him in the waist, and stepped on his waist to prevent him from getting up.
The Victim’s Reaction
When questioned by deputy public prosecutor Nur Nisla Abdul Latif, the accused admitted that Nazmie begged him to stop, saying he couldn’t take it anymore. The accused agreed that, at that point, Nazmie still refused to admit to the theft, but eventually confessed.
The Trial Continues
The trial is ongoing, with the prosecution represented by Nisla, Ng Juhn Tao, and Batrisyia Khusri, and the defence represented by various lawyers. The case is being heard by Justice Duncan Sikodol, and the trial is expected to continue tomorrow.
Conclusion
The trial of the 13 students accused of murdering their classmate is a serious and disturbing case that has shocked the nation. The defence has begun, with one of the accused taking the stand to present his version of events. The trial will continue, with the prosecution seeking to prove the guilt of the accused and the defence seeking to prove their innocence.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What is the charge against the 13 students?
A: The 13 students are charged with murder under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty or imprisonment of 30 to 40 years, along with a maximum of 12 strokes of the cane, upon conviction.
Q: What is the alleged motive behind the murder?
A: The alleged motive is a theft that Nazmie allegedly committed, according to the second accused.
Q: How many students are represented by different lawyers?
A: Eight of the 13 accused are represented by lawyers Ram Singh, Kamarudin Chinki, and Chen Wen Jye, while the remaining five are represented by Zairi Zainal Abidin, Abdul Ghani Zelika, Vivian Thien, Jhesseny P Kang, and Kusni Ambotuwo.
Q: When is the next hearing of the trial?
A: The trial is expected to continue tomorrow.