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May 10, 2010
Policeman charged in shooting
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Aminul Rasyid Amzah's relatives hold his photos during a press conference at their home in Shah Alam. -- PHOTO: NSTP
<!-- story content : start --> KUALA LUMPUR - A MALAYSIAN police officer was charged with manslaughter on Monday over the death of a 15-year-old schoolboy who was shot after a car chase, in a case that has sparked public anger. Corporal Jenain Subi, 48, was accused of causing the death of Aminul Rasyid Amzah who was fired at last month after speeding through several traffic lights and being stopped by police cars. Police had said that the officer opened fire after the teenager reversed the vehicle into the policemen in a bid to escape, but Aminul's friend who was in the car with him has denied the claim. 'The policeman has been charged with manslaughter and faces a maximum 30 years in jail and a fine if convicted,' prosecutor Abdul Majid Hamzah told AFP.
'He has pleaded not guilty to the charge and is out on bail.' The case has renewed debate on the Malaysian police force, which is regularly accused of brutalities and widely seen as being riddled with corruption. The opposition has accused the force of being 'trigger-happy' in enforcing the law while Amnesty International Malaysia said the latest death 'could have been avoided.' Leading human rights group Suaram said there were 44 cases of death by police shooting in 2008. The government has said it 'regretted' the incident and promised a comprehensive investigation. It has set up a special panel to oversee the police investigation into the cause of Aminul's death. -- AFP
