KUALA LUMPUR: About 100 people gathered at Sogo shopping complex here to protest against sexual crimes and violence following the acquittal of a 60-year-old man accused of raping a minor.
Bunya Jalong, who fathered a child with a 15-year-old girl, was acquitted of rape despite DNA tests proving that the child was his, after claiming that he had impregnated her by inserting his semen-smeared finger.
He claimed that he never penetrated her and that was the basis of his acquittal.
The protest, called the #Hentikan Rogol# or Stop Raping Our Children, saw about 100 protesters who were clad in orange to signify a bright future for women and children free from sexual violence gathering outside Sogo shopping complex here at about 3.45pm yesterday.
During the rally that was organised by Citizens Against Rape (CAR) and several other women NGOs, the protesters also held placards with slogans against sexual violence and rape.
The group of protesters then marched towards Suria KLCC after speeches by several NGO leaders.
A similar rally was also held in Kuching earlier yesterday where Sarawak Women for Women Society president Margaret Bedus urged for a speedy amendment to the law to prevent rapists from getting away on technicalities.
She also urged the Attorney-General to consider charging Bunya for sexual abuse under the Child Act 2001.
“Our society is 30 years old today and the organisation was started also because of rape. We all have a responsibility to speak out and act with courage when it comes to rape.
“The Government, police and Attorney-General too have their responsibilities to support and protect victims and survivors,” Margaret said.
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