Bella case: TMJ offers his lawyers for Women's Ministry watching brief

JOHOR BARU: Tunku Mahkota Johor Tunku Ismail Ibni Sultan Ibrahim has offered the services of his lawyers for free in the abuse case of the 13-year-old girl with Down syndrome known as Bella.

"I have contacted and discussed with my lawyers regarding Bella's abuse case. The case is currently being tried at the Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court and the public prosecution team has started proceedings against the accused in this case," he said.

"I will contact Minister of Women, Family and Community Development Datuk Seri Rina Harun and offer my lawyers' services to hold a watching brief on behalf of the Ministry of Women, Family and Community Development for this case free of charge," he added in a statement here on Saturday (April 16).

A watching brief refers to checking on and giving a report on a particular case.

In this context, it means that the Crown Prince would sponsor to have his lawyers observe the trial on behalf of the Ministry to ensure that it is being conducted in a professional and unbiased manner.

The case involving the teenager has gathered much attention online due to the severity of the alleged abuses and as the accused, Siti Bainun was being represented by 10 lawyers.

The founder of Rumah Bonda, Siti Bainun, 30, had pleaded not guilty to two charges of neglecting and abusing the teenager to the point of the victim suffering injuries and also emotional trauma.