JOHOR BARU: Eight youths who previously pleaded guilty to unlawful confinement, criminal intimidation, extortion, and causing hurt to a 22-year-old man, have changed their plea.
Muhammad Aqmal Hafifi Mustafa Kamal, 25; Ahmad Rushdi Jumadi, 23; Muhammad Nur Shafiq Abdullah, 25; Muhammad Haikal Zulkarnain, 19; Mohamad Amierul Hakim Shamsuri, 23; Mohamad Danish Hakim Kamaruddin, 20; Syamsul Hamiziey Saiful Razali, 19; and Nuredrianna Balqqisyh Anabella Norazman, 22, pleaded not guilty to the charges in two separate courtrooms on Tuesday (June 3).
Initially scheduled for sentencing on Tuesday, the eight defendants opted to change their pleas.
They, along with two others still at large, allegedly confined Muhammad Faris Syahmi Mohd in a flat in Jalan Bunga Daisi, Plentong, from 10pm on April 18 to 4am the next day.
They are also charged with criminal intimidation by threatening him with death, extorting RM650 and his motorcycle keys and using violence to force a payment agreement of RM3,000.
All accused, except Nuredrianna, allegedly inflicted physical injuries on the victim during the incident.
The offences fall under Sections 342, 506, 384, and 323 of the Penal Code, read with Section 34 for common intention. These charges carry penalties of up to 10 years' imprisonment, fines, or caning.
Upon rereading two charges before Magistrate A. Shaarmini, all eight pleaded not guilty and claimed trial.
They also pleaded not guilty when two other charges were reread before Magistrate Nur Fatin Mohamad Farid in a different courtroom.
Nur Fatin set July 18 for the next mention and submission of documents.
Four of the accused had legal representation, while the other four, including Nuredrianna, were unrepresented.
The eight were originally charged on April 25, when they pleaded guilty to all charges.
Previously, a video lasting two minutes and seven seconds showing eight suspects assaulting a male victim in a flat went viral on social media.
Seri Alam OCPD Asst Comm Mohd Sohaimi Ishak stated that seven men and a woman were arrested after the victim filed a police report.
