Court orders man to enter defence in rape case involving ex-girlfriend

New Straits Times

16-05-2025

MUAR: A man accused of raping his girlfriend three years ago has been ordered to enter his defence in the Sessions Court here today.
Judge Sayani Mohd Nor made the ruling after finding that the prosecution, led by deputy public prosecutor Diyana Najiha Muhamed Fauzi, had successfully established a prima facie case against the accused, Muhamad Amir Ismail, 23.
In delivering her decision at the close of the prosecution's case, Sayani said the court had thoroughly examined the testimonies of all prosecution witnesses and the exhibits presented.
"This ruling also takes into consideration the written submissions from both the prosecution and the defence throughout the trial.
"At the maximum evaluation stage, the court is satisfied that the prosecution has successfully proven a prima facie case under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code," she said.
Following the decision, the court informed the accused of three options: to give a sworn statement from the witness stand, an unsworn statement from the dock, or to remain silent.
Lawyer Syafie Naim from the National Legal Aid Foundation subsequently informed the court that his client had opted to give a sworn statement from the witness stand and would call three witnesses on July 14.
The accused, who is unmarried, is charged with raping his 16-year-old girlfriend at his home in Segamat at 11pm on June 2, 2022.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years' imprisonment and whipping under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code.
Earlier reports said that the accused had gone out with friends, including the victim, before taking her back to his home.
He allegedly committed the offence before sending her home, after which a police report was lodged at the Jementah police station.
The accused was arrested on June 29 that year and is currently being held at the Muar Correctional Centre after failing to post the RM10,000 bail set by the court.