Last year, photos of a 13-year-old teenager with down syndrome suffering from multiple injuries were circulating on Facebook and Twitter. Following that, a 1-minute-long video was also published online where a woman can be heard tearfully asking if the child, Bella, was doing okay.
Rumah Bonda founder, Siti bainun found guilty of charges today (May 3)
In the video, Bella slowly revealed her left arm that was covered in her long sleeve, showing that she was suffering from open wounds and bleeding. Subsequently, Bella was sent to the doctors for medical treatment and was said that she suffered burns on her body, including on her hands, neck, chest and thighs.
Source: Instagram
Following that, a campaign called #justiceforbella made its waves through social media, and upon investigations, it was revealed that Bella’s abuser was the founder of the welfare home (Rumah Bonda) she was at. The woman named Siti Bainun was said to have not liked Bella ever since she pulled the curtain and dislodged the rod. Siti Bainun was then accused of committing the offences between March 2021 to June 2021.
The case was then investigated under Section 31(1)(a) of the Children’s Act 2001 where a maximum imprisonment term of 20 years, a fine of not more than RM50,000 or both, can be imposed if convicted.
Source: Sin Chew Daily
Yasmin Nahar Mahmood who was 18 and a resident in Rumah Bonda testified in court, saying that Bainun had become angry for Bella’s behaviour and started hitting her. She was later instructed by Bainun to strip Bella naked and tie her up with a rope, before Bainun poured hot water on her.
According to local newspaper, Sin Chew Daily, sessions Court judge Izralizam Sanusi said that Siti Bainun has failed to raise any reasonable doubt in the case and the accused’s defense was unacceptable to court.
“Therefore, I find the accused guilty of the charges”, said judge Izralizam today (May 3).
Local newswire agency, BERNAMA has reported that Siti Bainun will be facing 12 years in prison for the convicted charges.
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Also read: 19yo Johor man caught setting fire to stray dog apologises, to be charged today (April 3rd)
