KUALA LUMPUR: The chant "Justice for Zara" echoed during a gathering held in the vicinity of the Sogo shopping complex here on Saturday (Aug 17), Sinar Harian reports.
The Malay language daily also reported that participants of various ages began filling the location as early as 8pm on Saturday to gather in solidarity for Zara Qairina Mahathir, 13, who was confirmed dead at Queen Elizabeth I Hospital, Kota Kinabalu, on July 17, after being found unconscious in a drain near the dormitory of SMKA Tun Datu Mustapha, in Papar, at about 4am on July 16.
Earlier, security personnel were seen monitoring the gathering site to ensure the event proceeded peacefully. Several community activists also delivered speeches of solidarity, demanding justice for the 13-year-old student.
Attendees held placards reading "Justice For Zara Qairina" and "We Reject Bullying" while chanting the solidarity slogan.
Meanwhile, in Ipoh, Sinar Harian reported thousands gathered peacefully at the #JusticeforZara rally in Taman Rekreasi Sultan Abdul Aziz, also known as Padang Polo, on Saturday.
Organised by the Perak People's Awareness Association, the gathering aimed to show solidarity and demand justice for Zara Qairina.
Participants carried placards and banners with messages such as "Justice For Zara", "We want justice for sister Zara", "Justice Is Not To Be Silenced", "Justice Must Be Upheld", and "Stop Bullying Now".
Earlier, rally participants also performed special prayers and recited prayers for the deceased.
To date, the police have taken more than 80 witness statements, including from students, while the Attorney General's Chambers announced that a full inquiry will be conducted in the Coroner's Court to determine the exact cause of death.
