WITH the media reporting on how teenager Bella was abused repeatedly at Rumah Bonda, many people took to social media to vent out against the home’s founder, Siti Bainun Ahd Razali.
Siti Bainun is currently facing trial under Section 31(1)(a) of the Child Act 2001, which carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years or a fine of RM50,000 or both, upon condition.
However, the situation went to another level after Siti Bainun’s lawyers were also criticised on social media for representing her on the case.
Trending number one on Twitter today under #JusticeforBella, several quarters took pot shots at her team of 10 lawyers.
User AnisAlia asked:
(What are Siti Bainun’s lawyers feelings right now? How do you wake up every morning, how you can still smile and laugh, how do you even live? Don’t your tremble, shiver or feel any anxiety? I understand you are being a professional but how do you cope with this?)
User TeeJay Kaa added: 
Vincenzo is a character in a popular Korean series who takes on powerful criminals.
Also adding to the criticism against Siti Bainun’s lawyers is former MIC youth leader R Thinalan, who called them a disgrace.
The court will decide
When contacted, former Bar Council president Salim Bashir reminded the public that under Article 5 of the Federal Constitution, everyone has the right to seek counsel when facing court cases.
“This is rule of law. No matter how heinous the crime is, everyone has the right to be defended in court.
“So, we should not be blaming Siti Bainun’s lawyers for doing the best for their client. Lawyers must act professionally; without fear and favour,” he told FocusM.
At the end of the day, Salim added, it is the court that will decide whether the person accused of the crime is guilty or otherwise, depending on the evidence presented.
“Lawyers’ job, both prosecution and defence, is to present evidence to the court. The accused can even hire 100 lawyers for his or her defence but it is the judge who will decide on the verdict.
“And the onus falls on the prosecution team to prove that the accused is guilty of the charge, beyond any reasonable doubt,” he mentioned.
Main photo credit: Free Malaysia Today
