Three individuals, including two high-achieving Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia (SPM) students, have been charged in the Session Court for their alleged involvement in the rape of an underage acquaintance in separate incidents that occurred in July and last week.

The accused, Muhammad Ammar Zikry Mohd Izrak and Muhammad Anaqi Lukmanulhakim, both 18 years old, along with 20-year-old Muhammad Daniel Haikal Helmi Effero, pleaded not guilty to the charges presented before Judge Abu Bakar Manat.

The allegations indicate that Muhammad Ammar Zikry and Muhammad Anaqi are accused of raping a 12-year-old female acquaintance in an oil palm plantation near Sri Gading, Batu Pahat, at 11:30 PM on August 14th. As a result, they have been charged under Section 375B of the Penal Code, which deals with gang rape and carries a potential prison sentence of up to 30 years.

Meanwhile, Muhammad Daniel Haikal is facing accusations of raping the same victim in a house in Batu Pahat, with the incident occurring at 8:30 PM in the middle of last month. Muhammad Daniel Haikal has been charged under Section 376(1) of the Penal Code, which provides for a maximum prison term of up to 20 years and corporal punishment.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Danial Munir led the prosecution, while Muhammad Ammar Zikry was represented by lawyer Aqmarul Aqil Ismail. Aqmarul Aqil Ismail also extended his representation to Muhammad Anaqi and Muhammad Daniel Haikal on a pro-bono basis specifically for the purpose of bail.

The prosecution initially requested the court to set bail at RM25,000 for Muhammad Ammar Zikry and Muhammad Anaqi, and RM20,000 for Muhammad Daniel Haikal. Aqmarul Aqil then made a plea to the court to consider the academic and co-curricular achievements of the three accused and to reduce their bail accordingly.

After weighing arguments from both sides, the court granted each accused bail of RM8,000, requiring one surety for each. Additionally, the court mandated that all three accused must regularly report to the nearby police station and are prohibited from contacting or disturbing the victim and her family.

Non-compliance with these conditions would lead to the court revoking the granted bail for all three accused.

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