In an update to the case from two years ago concerning the death of UPNM cadet Zulfarhan Osman Zulkarnain, the High Court has ordered the 18 students of the Universiti Pertahanan Nasional Malaysia to enter their defense on Wednesday (31st July). They will face charges for murdering and injuring Zulfarhan, their varsity mate, reported the Malay Mail.
The decision was reached after Judge Azman Abdullah concluded that the prosecution had successfully established a prima facie against the 18 accused.
Source: Bernama
The five of accused, Muhammad Akmal Zuhairi, Muhammad Azamuddin Mad Sofi, Muhammad Najib Mohd Razi, Muhammad Afif Najmudin Azahat and Mohamad Shobirin Sabri are charged with murder, while Abdoul Hakeem Mohd Ali is charged with abetting the murder of Zulfarhan.
The crime was allegedly committed at room 04-10 of the Jebat hostel building in UPNM, between 4.45 am and 5.45 am on 22nd May 2017.
The accused were charged under Section 302 and 109 of the Penal Code, which carries the mandatory death sentence upon conviction.
They were also charged along with 13 other students for voluntarily causing hurt against the victim in order to force Zulfarhan Osman to confess to stealing a laptop, according to Section 330 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 34 of the same act, which imposes a maximum imprisonment of seven years and a fine upon conviction, reported Malaysiakini.
Zulfarhan’s father, Zulkarnain Idros, who was present at the court, was seen performing ‘sujud syukur’ (prostration of gratitude) outside the courtroom. His mother, Hawa Osman, on the other hand, said that she was always thinking of her son even though it had been two years since his death.
Source: Malay Mail
“I would like to express my gratitude to all those who prayed for my son for him on attaining justice,” he said.
Cadet Zulfarhan passed away at Serdang Hospital on 1st June 2017, and was believed to have been abused after being accused of stealing his friend’s laptop.
The victim was reported to have suffered burns on the chest, arms and legs, and was believed to have been tortured with a steam iron.
It is to great relief on hearing that the appalling case regarding cadet Zulfarhan will finally be brought to justice. WOB team would like to offer our prayers and deepest condolences to the family and friends of cadet Zulfarhan.
Also read: UPNM Allows 13 Students Involved in Navy Cadet’s Death to Continue Studies
