Court rejects bid for new psychiatric test in fake royal marriage case

Court rejects bid for new psychiatric test in fake royal marriage case

Sessions court judge says a report from Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta has confirmed that Persana Avril Sollunda is mentally fit to stand trial.

Persana Avril Sollunda
Persana Avril Sollunda is accused of uploading a fake video and photo on TikTok, which displayed a fake marriage certificate between a royal family member and ‘Crown Princess Ratu Shana’, with the intention of disturbing others. (Bernama pic)
KUALA LUMPUR:
The sessions court here today ruled that a masseuse accused of uploading a video and photo of a fake marriage certificate involving herself and a member of the royal family does not need to undergo another round of psychiatric evaluation.

Judge Suhaila Haron said a report from Hospital Bahagia Ulu Kinta in Tanjung Rambutan had confirmed that Persana Avril Sollunda, 43, was mentally fit to stand trial.

“Any issues related to medication can be referred directly to the hospital,” Suhaila said.

She set case mention for Oct 31, and maintained the previously scheduled trial dates of Dec 3 to 5.

Earlier, deputy public prosecutor Izzat Amir Idham opposed the defence’s request for another evaluation.

“The report is sufficient, and if there were any issues regarding ineffective medication, the lawyers should write a letter or contact the prison authorities,” he said.

Defence lawyer Rubhern Raj had requested another psychiatric evaluation for Persana because the medication prescribed was ineffective.

“My client also complained of frequent pacing and being difficult to control, causing problems for the prison authorities,” he said.

Izzat also informed the court that there were amendments to the charges, changing the phrase “hurting the feelings of others” to “disturbing others”.

The charge was re-read, and Persana maintained her plea of not guilty.

Persana is accused of uploading a fake video and photo on TikTok under the account “king.charles.ratu,” which displayed a fake marriage certificate between a royal family member and Crown Princess Ratu Shana, with the intention of disturbing others on Feb 25.

The post was accessed the following day at Bukit Aman’s cybercrime and multimedia investigation division at Wangsa Maju here about 10am on Feb 26.

She was charged under Section 233(1)(a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998 for improper use of network facilities.

If convicted, she faces up to two years’ jail, a fine of up to RM500,000, or both, and a further fine of RM5,000 for each day the offence continues.

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