Recently, a video of a boy getting ‘washed like a corpse‘ as a punishment for trying to steal a mosque donation box had gone viral. While many condemned the imam of the mosque for basically ‘waterboarding’ the boy, others believed the imam’s actions were better than having the boy sent to jail.
Now, it looks like the boy has to also go to jail and pay a fine.
BERNAMA shared that the 19-year-old boy has since also been sentenced to 10 days in jail and to pay a fine of RM4,000 for his attempt at theft.
His lawyer shared that he had tried to steal the mosque donation money because he apparently desperately needed funds for his grandfather’s medication.
“My client apologised to the court and the mosque. The reason he (tried to steal) is because he needs money to buy medicine for his grandfather who has diabetes. He had tried to ask people (for help) but they couldn’t help him.”
“My client is the eldest of three siblings and his parents had divorced when he was 8-years-old. He lives with his grandfather who is in his 70s and their lives are not easy. Their food and drinks are also from the alms of their neighbours.” said the boy’s pro bono lawyer.
It is also important to note that the boy’s attempt was foiled and he never got away with the donation box money.
The decision to take legal action against the boy has not been well received by netizens.
Some believed that the ‘bath’ he endured should have been punishment enough.
“He’s already been punished by washing him like a corpse, there wasn’t a need to report him to the police. He’s being punished twice.”
“Gone mad. I thought after the imam washed him like a corpse that it’ll end there. It turns out they handed him over to the police too.”
Some also called for the imam to face his consequences of torturing the boy.
“Did the imam who performed the waterboarding face any actions?”
Others also believe that this incident paints a much bigger picture.
“Stealing money from a mosque donation box, you can be jailed and fined. Stealing the people’s money you can still be at large.”
“He didn’t even get to steal the money and he got sentenced to imprisonment. Those who have been officially found guilty of stealing are free and at large.”
Stay tuned for more updates.
Also read: Māsians Condemn Imam For Punishing Mosque Thief by Washing Him Like a Corpse
