The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court today sentenced independent preacher Fathi Na’im Mazlam, also known as Ustaz Fathi Naim, to 15 years in prison and three strokes of the cane for the rape and sexual assault of a 13-year-old girl.
Judge Noridah Adam delivered the verdict, ruling that the defense failed to cast reasonable doubt on the prosecution’s compelling case, as reported by Bernama.
“Having reviewed arguments from both parties, this court finds the prosecution’s evidence persuasive and conclusive. The accused is hereby found guilty and convicted on all three charges,” Judge Adam declared.
Fathi was convicted on two counts of rape under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years’ imprisonment and whipping. The incidents occurred in a vehicle at the Dataran Eco World parking lot in Bandar Baru Puncak Alam, Kuala Selangor, at 3 p.m. in early July 2021 and again at 7 p.m. on July 27, 2021. Additionally, he was found guilty on a third count of physically sexually assaulting the same victim at the same location in June 2021, under Section 14(a) of the Sexual Offences Against Children Act 2017.
During the mitigation phase, Fathi, who represented himself, informed the court that he is a father of eight and has three wives. The prosecution was led by Deputy Public Prosecutor Nur ‘Ayuni Jamri.
