Latest news with #Aliza
Borneo Post
5 days ago
- Politics
- Borneo Post
Hannah Yeoh wins defamation suit, Kamarul Zaman ordered to pay RM400k in damages
Hannah Yeoh KUALA LUMPUR (May 30): The High Court has ruled in favour of Segambut Member of Parliament Hannah Yeoh and ordered Universiti Utara Malaysia (UUM) lecturer Dr Kamarul Zaman Yusoff to pay RM400,000 in damages for the defamatory remarks he made eight years ago. The decision was delivered by Judge Datuk Aliza Sulaiman, who allowed Hannah's claim after finding no merit in the defendant's submission that she lacked locus standi to initiate the suit. The defamation suit, filed in 2022, arose from two Facebook posts made by Kamarul Zaman between May 10 and May 17, 2017, in which he alleged that Hannah had a proselytising agenda and was using her political platform to advance Christianity. He also cited her autobiography, Becoming Hannah: A Personal Journey, as evidence of her purported Christian agenda, further alleging that she sought to turn Malaysia into a Christian nation. In his statement of defence, Kamarul Zaman denied that the posts were defamatory and asserted that his statements were justified. Judge Aliza held that the court was satisfied the plaintiff, Hannah, had discharged the burden of proof on a balance of probabilities in establishing that the first and second posts were defamatory of her. 'He (defendant) suggests the plaintiff (Hannah) is a threat to Islam and used her position to 'Christianise' the country. 'In a multiracial and multireligious country where the issue of religion is, of course, very sensitive, this would surely expose the plaintiff to hatred, ridicule and contempt,' she said. The judge further noted that the defendant had pleaded the defences of justification, fair comment and qualified privilege, but found that none had been successfully established. 'Even if the defences of fair comment and qualified privilege were established, the plaintiff had pleaded particulars of malice in the reply to the defence, and in my view has proven on the balance of probabilities that the defendant was actuated by malice,' said the judge. Judge Aliza further held that if the defendant genuinely believed the plaintiff had committed an offence, lodging a police report would have been sufficient. Instead, the defendant chose to publish it on Facebook. She noted that the publication was not in dispute, and it was evident from both the titles and content that the statements were directed specifically at the plaintiff. The judge also rejected the defence's contention that the first publication was aimed at DAP as a political party, rather than the plaintiff personally. 'Even the defendant's own pleadings mentioned the plaintiff by name, and the title of the article made the target unmistakable. The defendant's personal understanding of the book is not relevant, as what matters is how an ordinary reader would interpret the statements. 'The readers would reasonably believe that the plaintiff was spreading Christianity unlawfully and, by implication, committing a crime,' she said. Judge Aliza allowed the plaintiff's claim upon finding that the plaintiff had established her case on a balance of probabilities and that the defendant had acted with malice. 'The court awards RM400,000 as general and aggravated damages to be paid by the defendant to the plaintiff. This means, RM200,000 per publication and RM80,000 in costs,' she said. The judge, however, dismissed Hannah's application for Kamarul Zaman to issue a public apology, saying that such an apology could be seen as insincere. She also granted an injunction to restrain the defendant, his servants, or agents from republishing the impugned words or similar statements. Hannah was present in court today, accompanied by her counsel, Sangeet Kaur Deo, while the defendant, Dr Kamarul Zaman Yusoff, was not in attendance. – Bernama Court defamation suit Dr Kamarul Zaman Yusoff Hannah Yeoh lead
The Citizen
09-05-2025
- General
- The Citizen
Umhlanga woman makes family feel at ‘home' with hearty donation
A STORY of compassion, courage, and faith is unfolding — one that proves how a single act of kindness can transform lives. At the heart of it is Lea Wimble, a conveyancing attorney and owner of Wimble Attorneys, whose small firm is making a big impact on the lives of Ncebakazi and Aliza Dotwana. Also read: Somerset Park homeowners' association name best verge in area Two years ago the Northglen News published a story about the Dotwanas who came from the Eastern Cape to Durban to get treatment for Aliza, who was two years old at the time. She was born with congenital glaucoma and is blind and deaf. Wimble and Dotwana's paths crossed with a simple Facebook post. Occupational therapist Caitlin Waters shared Aliza's story. The post explained the financial challenges her mother faced trying to get her daughter into a special needs school. Wimble saw the post and quietly stepped in, covering Aliza's school fees anonymously. But their story doesn't end there. Wimble has always believed that her business should be a blessing to its community. In 2019, she turned that belief into action by launching The Gifted Project, a heartfelt outreach initiative with a bold mission: to donate a property to someone in need every year. So far, two families have received homes — but the latest chapter might be the most moving of all. Eventually Wimble met the Dotwanas in person at one of Aliza's birthday parties at school, but soon after life took a turn – the Dotwanas had to leave Durban and return to the Eastern Cape due to lack of support and secure housing. 'The school had stopped invoicing me for Aliza's fees. I didn't think to question what had happened at the time. I learnt that they had returned to the Eastern Cape suddenly and I left it at that,' she said. A full year passed. Then one Sunday in September 2024, while at church, Wimble said she felt a sudden nudge during a sermon about King David and helping your neighbours. 'I felt the Lord say, 'What about the little girl that used to sit at your table? Where is she?'' Wimble recalled. Also read: Alert neighbour and team work applauded in arrest of Greenwood Park burglars She reached out to the occupational therapist again and learnt that the Dotwanas had indeed moved away. This time she probed further and got contact details for Dotwana. 'I called Ncebakazi and that's when it all made sense,' said Wimble. 'Ncebakazi told me she had to leave Durban as she needed a place to stay, so returning to her family home in the Eastern Cape was the only choice she had at the time. I realised that God had chosen Ncebakazi as our next beneficiary for the Gifted Project. We worked on getting her back to Durban so Aliza could start school again and we could find them a home,' she added. That October, Wimble found a property that felt right, but the offer wasn't accepted. Then in February on Valentine's Day, the estate agent called. That same property was back on the market. This time, it was meant to be. Now in the process of transferring the home into Dotwana's name, the property will offer more than shelter, it's a lifeline. With two children, Dotwana will live on one side and rent out the other to supplement her income. Just last week, Huizemark Apex donated R50 000 to support the project. More people are getting involved. 'When I received the call from Lea, my words to her were, 'I didn't know God could touch my heart like that,'' said Dotwana. 'When I had to leave Durban, I didn't think anyone would follow up as I left so suddenly. I was under so much pressure, I couldn't even ask for help. Hearing from Lea months later was unexpected and life-changing. Now I know God sees me,' she said. 'I never thought I would be getting my own home. I didn't even think that someone would come forward and pay Aliza's fees as it's so expensive, but the blessings keep coming and I am so grateful to Lea and everyone involved,' added Dotwana. Despite the difficulties of Aliza's care needs and the weight of single motherhood, Dotwana remains hopeful. She's studying part-time through UNISA with NSFAS funding, determined to build a better future for her family. Wimble, too, is deeply moved by the journey. 'We're a business of just four people, but if every person or business asked, 'What can I do to help?' the world would change. Sometimes it just takes listening to the still, small voice that nudges us.' For Wimble, the greatest reward is seeing someone feel seen, valued, and loved. 'We want to build something that is bigger than just ourselves,' she said. 'We want to be part of building something that will outlast us.' For more from Northglen News, follow us on Facebook , X or Instagram. You can also check out our videos on our YouTube channel or follow us on TikTok. Click to subscribe to our newsletter – here At Caxton, we employ humans to generate daily fresh news, not AI intervention. Happy reading!
Yahoo
03-05-2025
- Yahoo
Unsolved for 12 years: A timeline of Aliza Sherman murder case
CLEVELAND (WJW) — The Aliza Sherman case has been in the headlines for more than a decade. I-TEAM: Arrest made in murder of Aliza Sherman There were plenty of twists and turns leading up to Friday. March 24, 2013: Just after 5 p.m. on Sunday, March 24, 2013, Aliza Sherman arrives at 75 Erieview Plaza in Downtown Cleveland. She was there to meet her divorce attorney but never made it inside. Someone stabbed her 11 times and left her on the sidewalk. The 911 caller said it was clear Aliza was trying to speak, but the only thing he could make out was: 'I'm dying.' Aliza was rushed to Metrohealth Medical Center where she died at 6:14 p.m. March 26, 2013: The scheduled court date for the Sherman's contested divorce trial. Instead, her loved ones spent the day planning her funeral. March 28, 2013: A crowd of more than 600 people, including Aliza's family, friends and Cleveland Clinic colleagues, packed into a Cleveland Heights chapel to remember the mother of four. April 9, 2013: Two weeks later, another crowd gathered at the scene of the crime. A group of Aliza's loved ones raised $23,000 in reward money to add to the $2,000 offered by Crime Stoppers for information leading to an arrest. April 22, 2013: Two weeks after that, police released a 10-second surveillance video of the person believed to be the killer leaving the scene. May 12, 2013: Aliza's family gathers for the first of many 'Justice for Aliza' rallies. The rallies continued for the next few years. December 2013: When Aliza's divorce attorney, the one she was going to see the day of her murder, was indicted on three counts of inducing panic. Prosecutors say Gregory Moore made bomb threats at courthouses in both Geauga and Lake County. March 24, 2014: Every March 24, Aliza's supporters showed up in a crusade to keep her memory and the case alive. But the investigation went dark. Additional coverage of the Aliza Sherman case June 2014: Aliza's daughter, Jennifer Sherman, filed a $2 million lawsuit against her father. Jennifer claimed Dr. Sanford Sherman forged documents to make off with money from an account in Aliza's name. The family was estranged. January 28, 2016: Moore's name popped up again in 2016 when he was charged once again, this time in connection with Aliza's case. Moore was indicted on multiple felonies, including obstruction and lying to investigators. May 2017: The next year, Moore pleaded guilty to one charge related to the murder investigation and two charges regarding bomb threats. He got six months in jail, probation and court-ordered community service. June 2021: The Ohio Bureau of Criminal Investigation took over the Sherman case in the summer of 2021 bringing new hope to her loved ones. July 2024: Aliza's estranged husband, Dr. Sanford Sherman, passed away last summer in Florida. Although never named a suspect by police, the Sherman's pending divorce was always front and center in the investigation. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
18-04-2025
- Yahoo
Binghamton Police increase reward in Aliza Spencer case
BINGHAMTON, NY – (WIVT/WBGH) There's a new effort to find answers to who shot and killed 12 year-old Aliza Spencer on Binghamton's Eastside three years ago. Aliza Spencer Friendship Day honors legacy of murdered Binghamton student Binghamton Police have announced an increase in the reward being offered for information that would lead to a conviction in the homicide case. The reward now stands at $50,000. Aliza was walking with her father and brother on Bigelow Street near their home shortly after 10 p.m. on April 21, 2022 when a shot came from an unknown direction striking the 6th grader in the chest. Binghamton Police have been assisted by the FBI and New York State Police with the investigation into Spencer's death. Funding for the initial reward of $32,000 was supported by a GoFundMe campaign. Anyone with information is encouraged to contact Binghamton Detectives at 607-772-7080. Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
Yahoo
17-04-2025
- Yahoo
Aliza Spencer Friendship Day honors legacy of murdered Binghamton student
BINGHAMTON, N.Y. (WIVT/WBGH) – The Calvin Coolidge Elementary community honored the memory of Aliza Spencer today through multiple acts of kindness. The school that Aliza went to for kindergarten through 5th grade, commemorated her death with its Aliza Spencer Friendship Day. Spencer was 12 years old and a 6th grader at East Middle when she was shot and killed while walking near her home on April 21, 2022. Her killer has not been arrested. On Thursday, students from East Middle came to Coolidge, one per each classroom, and helped the younger students make friendship bracelets and play friendship bingo. 4th grade teacher Ann Marie Bogart's daughter was best friends with Aliza. She's determined to keep her memory alive. 'She was a model student and everyone loved Aliza. She loved everyone. And she deserves to be remembered for the beautiful person that she was,' said Bogart. Bogart showed her students a slide show about Aliza as well as a remembrance piece that News 34 aired shortly after her death. Bogart and a student from East also read the children's book 'Can Cat and Bird Be Friends?' East students Jahking Grandoit and Kashawn Hemingway say it feels good to spend time with younger kids. 'I feel like it's a good way to honor Aliza and how she was a good friend to everybody and liked to socialize and bring good vibes to everybody,' said Grandoit. 'Some kids knew Aliza and some kids didn't. It's good to do friendship stuff so that kids know how to be kind to each other and stuff,' said Hemingway. Other ways in which the school honored Aliza were through holding a food drive and book drive to restock the Little Free Library and Blessing Box that were created in her honor, as well as a photo area for kids. Binghamton's DPW painted a purple stripe down Robinson Street in front of the school in her honor. Black Bears gearing up to Run It Back Aliza Spencer Friendship Day honors legacy of murdered Binghamton student Maine-Endwell Odyssey of the Mind team headed to world competition Local leaders prepare to hit the runway for Mothers and Babies Fashion Gala Spotlight on Broome County Humane Society Copyright 2025 Nexstar Media, Inc. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
