Lawyers representing the mother of the late Form 1 student Zara Qairina Mahathir have called for all solidarity gatherings to be postponed until the coroner’s inquest into the teenager’s death is completed.
In a joint statement today, the legal team said the request was in line with the wishes of Zara’s mother, and to avoid risks of sub judice and interference with the proceedings.
The lawyers said they were aware that several individuals have been arrested and charged in court over speeches made at gatherings, or comments on social media relating to the #JusticeForZara movement.
“We and our client do not wish for Zara’s name or the slogan to be tainted by the irresponsible actions of certain parties,” they said.
“Accordingly, we are of the view that all forms of peaceful gatherings should be postponed until the inquest proceedings are concluded, in line with the wishes of Zara’s mother.
“We also urge everyone to exercise caution when making criticisms or comments on social media about the inquest and the evidence presented.”
The lawyers also expressed gratitude for the public’s support through the #JusticeForZara movement and donations to fund the appointment of expert witnesses for the case.
They said that solidarity events, which have been held across the country, could resume once the inquest was concluded.
Zara died in hospital on July 17 a day after being found unconscious in a drain near her school’s hostel in Papar.
Following allegations of bullying, the Attorney-General’s Chambers on Aug 8 ordered her remains to be exhumed for a post-mortem, before announcing an inquest would be conducted into her death.
The inquest, headed by coroner Amir Shah Amir Hassan, will resume on Sept 17.
