Cops: Do not spread photos of juvenile rape suspects

The public is reminded not to spread or share pictures or confidential information of eight juvenile suspects who are currently being investigated over a rape case involving a 12-year-old girl.

Bukit Aman Deputy Head of the Secretariat General of Police (Public Relations), ACP Ramli Mohamed Yoosuf said, the act of spreading the pictures or confidential information is illegal.

“The act of spreading minors’ pictures comes under the Child Act 2001, where no form of pictures (juvenile suspects) can be circulated regardless of whether it is during trial in court, or whether they are suspects in any crime or are victims in any offense,” he said when contacted by Astro AWANI.

He added that the act is not only irresponsible, but also can affect police investigation.

The eight suspects allegedly raped a minor girl, aged 12, in Kuala Kubu Baru, Selangor on 23 September.

A newspaper report on the case was posted and shared in social media together with a photo of the suspects.

In the incident, the student was reported to have skipped school on September 19 and did not return home but slept at the mosque in the city’s housing area.

When she woke up the next day, all the boys were already waiting for her. She then followed them to an abandoned house.

Hulu Selangor Deputy District Police Chief, Deputy Superintendent Zulkifli Bedin said, following the report by the victim’s family, police have arrested and remanded the eight suspects for further investigation.

“Six suspects are 14 year old while another two are 12 year old. The victim was brought to Selayang Hospital for further medical examination. Case was being investigated for rape as the victim is a minor.”