Irene Sofiya murder: Accused's family mulls action against social media impersonators

BATU PAHAT: The family of the 16-year-old charged with murdering Irene Sofiya Mohd Khairool Faisal is considering legal action against social media users impersonating them.

Defence lawyer Mohd Azlan Shah Mohd Allias said the family had not issued any statements on the case or posted anything on social media.

He said the defence had identified several accounts making claims about the case and would advise the family on the appropriate legal action.

"We will lodge a police report to enable the authorities to investigate.

"We have looked into the matter and will advise the family to take the necessary action," he said after the charge proceedings at the magistrate's court here today.

Azlan Shah also urged the public to refrain from spreading unverified information, adding that the accused was presumed innocent until proven guilty.

"The proceedings have just begun, and any judgment or decision is within the court's jurisdiction," he said.

He cautioned against circulating unfounded claims about the case on social media.

Earlier, the 16-year-old Form Four student was charged with murdering Irene Sofiya, also 16, at the magistrate's court here.

The accused, who was the victim's classmate, nodded to indicate that he understood the charge when it was read out before magistrate Mustaqim Sukarno during a closed-door proceeding.

No plea was recorded as murder cases fall under the jurisdiction of the High Court.