Social Media Influencer Pleads Not Guilty to Sexual Offences Involving Two Teenagers
KUALA LUMPUR — A 23-year-old social media influencer was brought before two Sessions Courts here today to face charges of rape and physical sexual assault involving two teenage girls, allegedly committed in January.
The accused, Muhammad Iman Hazriq Azizan, pleaded not guilty after the charges were read before Judges Tasnim Abu Bakar and Mohd Kafli Che Ali.
In the first case, he was accused of raping a 15-and-a-half-year-old girl at a condominium in Wangsa Maju between 1pm and 8pm on January 22.
The charge was framed under Section 375(g) of the Penal Code and is punishable under Section 376(1), which carries a maximum sentence of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping upon conviction.
In a separate proceeding, he was also charged with committing physical sexual assault against a 16-year-old girl at the same location, date, and time.
This offence was brought under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017, which provides for similar maximum penalties.
Deputy Public Prosecutor Noor Shakira Aliana Alias proposed bail of RM15,000 for each charge, subject to conditions including surrendering his passport, monthly police reporting, and refraining from contacting the victims, witnesses, or their families.
Defence lawyer Mohamad Akmal Mohd Taufik appealed for a lower bail, citing his client’s financial responsibilities, modest monthly income of about RM2,000, and full cooperation with investigators.
He also argued that the accused posed no risk of absconding.
After considering submissions from both sides, the court allowed bail of RM10,000 for each charge with one surety and imposed the additional conditions sought by the prosecution.
The cases have been fixed for mention on March 4 and April 2.
-wilayah.com.my
