Family's hopes crushed over Eda Ezrin's continued detention in Thai jail

New Straits Times

a day ago

KOTA BARU: The family of popular dikir barat singer Eda Ezrin is heartbroken as hopes for her swift release from a Thai prison fade, denying them the chance to celebrate Aidiladha together.
Her father, Wan Ismail Wan Yusuf, 52, said the family had actually hoped to reunite with her for Aidiladha.
"She often cries and asks us when she will be released. Her body has also grown increasingly thin after more than seven months in Narathiwat Provincial Prison," he said.
Wan Ismail was commenting on the extension of her detention, along with her husband and four of their friends.
Malaysia celebrates Aidiladha on Saturday.
Wan Ismail said the family's high hopes of being together over the weekend have been dashed.
"Sad, disappointed, and resigned, all sorts of thoughts crossed my mind when I learned that my daughter's detention had been extended again until next month," he said.
The popular dikir barat singer, her husband, and four friends will remain in detention at Narathiwat Central Prison in Thailand until July 6.
"Even after next month, we still do not know what her fate will be, as we were informed the case may now be referred to the Supreme Court," Wan Ismail said.
"I myself am confused, especially since the Narathiwat Provincial Court's decision on March 6 found my daughter and the others not guilty."
According to an online portal, the Narathiwat Provincial Court has approved a fourth request from prosecutors to extend the time to file an appeal against the release of a group charged with possessing 6,059 meth pills.
Eda Ezrin, whose full name is Wan Norshaheeda Azlin Wan Ismail, 30; her husband, Mohd Affendi Ahmad, 35; and their friends, Eridieka Mohd Noor, 33; Mohamad Alif Deraman, 33; Nur Aida Mamat, 33; and Zuhaira Nasrin, 26, will remain in custody during this extended period.