Children's aunt not shocked over verdict

KOTA BARU: Shaleena Norshal (pic) is grateful that her sister and brother-in-law did not get the full jail sentences the Swedish prosecutor had sought for abusing their four children there.

“Although I am sad, it is God’s will and I accept the decision,” she said.

The teacher told reporters she received a WhatsApp message on the verdict from her brother Badrulhisham Mahazan, who was in Sweden, at 6.30pm.

Shaleena did not allow reporters to interview the children.

“I hope the media will understand the feelings of my nephews and niece; I will break the news to them my way,” she said.

Aishah Azizul Raheem, 15, Ammar, 13, Adam, 12, and Ariff, 8, who have been in her care were in their room upstairs at Shaleena’s house in Kampung Wakaf Tok Wali, Melor.

Yesterday, the Swedish court imposed a 14-month jail sentence on Shalwati for offences against her daughter and three sons.

Azizul Raheem Awalluddin, who was posted to Sweden as Tourism Malaysia director, received 10 months jail for gross violation of the integrity of his eldest son, assault of his daughter and second son.

Shaleena said she was not shocked over the verdict as she had expected her sister, a teacher on unpaid leave, to be found guilty.

She expressed relief that the Swedish court had not meted out the maximum two years and six months jail sentence pushed for by the prosecution.

“Shalwati’s jail term may be further reduced if she shows good conduct while serving the sentence,” she added.