The three police officers accused of raping an Indonesian domestic worker have been jointly charged with having a common intention to commit the offence.

Session Court judge Nabishah Ibrahim read out the charge under Section 376 of the Penal Code for rape and Section 377(c) for forced unnatural sex at a police station in Prai on Nov 9.

The trio, Sin Mat Lazim, 33, Syahiran Ramli, 21, and Remy Anak Pana, 21, whose seven-day remand ended today, claimed trial.

If  found guilty, the trio face a maximum 20 years’ jail term plus whipping.

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Since 8am, a large group of reporters had been staking out the court building, awaiting the arrival of the suspects.

They finally came at 2.15pm, escorted by three police officers, with several others on stand-by.

They were in their orange coloured lock-up attire,  heads covered with their own shirts.

Upon seeing the trio, a group of cameramen rushed to the scene.

Penang Indonesian consulate acting director-general Sofiana Mufidah was present in court.
About 30 “supporters” in police uniform and in plainclothes were also present.

The trio, all constables, have been suspended from duties.

The incident allegedly happened at about 7am at a police station in Prai on Nov 9 after the trio apprehended the 25-year-old victim for purportedly not being able to produce her passport.

She is currently seeking sanctuary at the Indonesian Consulate in Penang, awaiting her return home and is said to be in “good health”.

State police chief Abdul Rahim Hanafi has said investigators have recorded statements from 10 witnesses in relation to the alleged offence.

The judge set Dec 12 for statements to be taken from witnesses.

Deputy public prosecutors Suhaimi Ibrahim and Nurashikin Mokhtar are prosecuting, while lawyer Rosli Ismail is holding a watching brief. 

Lawyer S Anthony Samy is representing Remy while Paramjit Singh represents the other two accused.

[More to follow]