Last Updated: 11:42am, Mar 21, 2014

BUTTERWORTH (Mar 21): A police corporal and two constables charged with allegedly raping an Indonesia restaurant worker on Nov 9, 2012 have been asked to enter their defence.

This follows the prosecution’s success in proving a prima facie case against Kpl Nik Sin Mat Lazin, and constables Remmy anak Dana and Syahiran Romli, said Sessions Court judge Meor Sulaiman Ahmad Tarmizi.

“The prosecution had succeeded in proving a prima facie case. Now I ask that all three accused enter their defence,” said Meor and set May 9 for continued trial.

After two years and nine prosecution witnesses, the prosecution wrapped up its case on the three policemen charged for rape and voluntarily committing carnal intercourse under Sections 376(1) and 377C of the Penal Code, respectively.

They are alleged to have raped and forced the then 25-year-old victim to perform oral sex on them at Room No. 4, Prai police barracks between 6.40am and 7.30am on Nov 9 two years ago.

According to the law, Nik Sin, 35, Remmy, 27, and Syahiran, 23, charged on Nov 16, 2012, can be jailed for up to 20 years and caned if convicted for rape and carnal intercourse, respectively. They are out on a RM25,000 bail each.

The case, which has elicited wide interest resulting in a packed courtroom, was prosecuted by Deputy Public Prosecutor Muna Mohd Jaafar and assisted by Maziyah Mansor.

The victim whose testimony was recorded a month after the trio were charged, has since returned to Indonesia.

It is believed the victim, who had been in the country about one-and-a-half years before the incident occurred, was allegedly stopped by the police whilst in a taxi after returning from a shopping mall in Prai.

The victim had alleged then that she was taken to the police station although she produced a copy of her passport.

The alleged rape took place after she was taken there, the victim claimed.

Dressed in plainclothes and looking relaxed, Nik Sin and Remmy were represented by counsel Abdul Roni Abdul Rahman while Syahiran had Seri Delima assemblyman R.S.N. Rayer as his lawyer.

Outside the court, acting Indonesian Consul-General Sofiana Mufidah said she was pleased with the decision so far and will continue keeping track of the case.

Sofiana, who has been following the case since it was brought to court, and once said she hoped for a fair trial, broke into a smile when Meor announced the court’s decision.