Malaysia to file bullying charges against 5 people over Zara’s death

Malaysia’s top prosecutor on Monday said bullying charges would be brought against five people under the age of 18 following the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir, whose case was closed and then reopened by police.

Her death on July 17, a day after she was found on the ground outside her dormitory at an Islamic school in Sabah’s Papar district, has sparked nationwide protests as many Malaysians demand an end to a culture of bullying in the education system.

Police initially closed the case swiftly, finding no signs of foul play and allowing her burial.

But as suspicions mounted over the circumstances of her death – including rumours of a cover-up linked to powerful families – the Attorney General’s Chamber (AGC) stepped in and ordered an exhumation of her body. Police were also ordered to reopen their probe.

On Monday, the AGC said that after the Malaysian Royal Police’s review of the case, the prosecution would “charge several suspects involved in Zara Qairina’s bullying case”.

“The decision to accuse the suspects of the bullying was made considering that the accusation will not interfere with the ongoing inquiry process,” the AGC said in a statement.