High Court Upholds Siti Bainun’s 12 Year Jail Term for Neglecting & Abusing Bella, Teen With Down Syndrome

3 years ago, the notorious Bella case shocked the entire nation of Malaysia, and last year, founder of Rumah Bonda, was found guilty by the Sessions Court for abusing and neglecting a teenager with down syndrome under her care.

The High Court today upheld the conviction and 12-year prison sentence against Siti Bainun Ahd Razali, for neglecting and abusing a teenage girl with down syndrome known as Bella.

#JusticeforBella

Siti’s attempt to appeal her conviction was turned down by Judge Datuk Noorin Badaruddin, who didn’t see any reason to change the Sessions Court’s decision and sentence.

Justice Noorin also rejected lawyer Haijan Omar’s request, representing Siti Bainun, to suspend the prison sentence while waiting for the appeal decision filed today in the Court of Appeal.

“There were 18 injuries and scars on the victim’s body, as proven by all medical witnesses, indicating that the injuries were not accidental or self-inflicted by the victim (Bella),” said Noorin.

Bella’s injuries were no accident

Justice Noorin said the court was happy with how the judge at the Sessions Court assessed Yasmin Nahar Mahmood, the prosecution witness and eyewitness.

Yasmin, who used to live at Rumah Bonda, was the 5th prosecution witness (PW5). Her testimony was backed up by medical experts and other specialists who examined the victim.

Justice Noorin mentioned that, apart from what PW5 said, the story told by PW8, Suhana Zam (Siti Bainun’s close friend), was backed up by medical evidence showing that the victim’s injuries weren’t just random accidents.

She could be facing up to 20 years in prison

Siti Bainun is being accused of not taking care of and hurting a teenage girl with down syndrome, which caused the girl to get hurt physically and emotionally at a condo in Wangsa Maju from February to June 2021.

These charges fall under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, and if convicted, Siti could face up to 20 years in prison, a fine of RM50,000, or both.

The court requested Siti Bainun to sign a 5-year good behavior bond with a guarantor and RM5,000 deposit. She also has to do 200 hours of community service, finishing within 6 months of leaving jail.

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Also read: Justice Served: Rumah Bonda’s Siti Bainun Found Guilty by Sessions Court for Abusing Bella