Family accepts verdict in Swedish child abuse case – Bernama
The family of Malaysian couple Shalwati Norshal and Azizul Raheem Awalludin, who were sentenced today to imprisonment by the Solna District Court in Stockholm, Sweden, has accepted the verdict and does not plan to file an appeal.
Shalwati's elder sister, Noor Azila Makhzan said although she was saddened by the verdict, she was afraid a heavier sentence could be imposed upon them if the appeal failed.
"After a family discussion, we felt that if an appeal is filed, the sentence may be even worse. Despite having good lawyers, still the decision did not favour us," she said when contacted by Bernama.
The Solna district court today imposed a 14-month jail sentence on Shalwati and 10 months on Azizul after finding the couple guilty of assaulting and gross violation of the integrity of their children.
Noor Azila said when previously contacted, Shalwati and Azizul had said they were prepared for any kind of sentence although they hoped for the best outcome.
"This is Swedish law, we can't say anything, they are different from others, we cannot comment too much," she said.
Commenting on the care of the couple's children, Noor Azila said relatives in Kota Baru, Kelantan would continue to look after them.
"We have also informed the children about what has happened. We will continue looking after them," she said.
Meanwhile, in KOTA BARU, Shalwati's younger sister, Shaleena Norshal, 43, a teacher and mother of four children aged between two and 17 years, also accepted the court's decision.
"We accept the court's decision and according to the prosecutor, they wanted to impose a two-year sentence," she told reporters at her house in Kampung Wakaf Tok Wali, Melor, Kota Baru.
Shaleena said she found out about the verdict through a Whatsapp message received from a family member who was there.
"We expected the verdict, we accept it and are thankful because this is the minimum sentence given to them. We will hold a special prayer session for them.
"They will get a lighter sentence for good behaviour and I know they also have to pay damages to the children but the amount is still unknown," she said.
She said she would inform the couple's children about the decision tonight.
"I have already told them the decision would be made today and they looked quite sad but I see they are strong in facing this challenge.
"I will tell them tonight, after our Maghrib prayers. I want them to be calm first," she said.
Azizul, a Tourism Malaysia officer in Sweden and his wife Shalwati, a teacher on no-pay leave, had been remanded since December 18 for allegedly hitting the hand of one of their sons for not praying.
Reporters were not allowed to interview the children, Aishah, 14, Ammar, 12, Adam, 11 and Ariff, 7.
Meanwhile, Puteri Umno chief Mas Ermieyati Samsudin, when contacted by Bernama for her comments, said Malayians must respect the decision of the Swedish court just as they would want others to respect decisions made by Malaysian courts.
However, she said she hoped the Malaysian government would use its diplomatic channels to help the couple, who have only three weeks to file an appeal.
"I can understand the pain Shalwati will have to go through, having to spend 14 months in jail. The mental torture is no small matter," she said and asked Malaysians to extend prayers for the couple so that they would be successful in the event they appealed. – Bernama, March 28, 2014.
