Why is the Zara Qairina inquest proceeding so slowly?

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The Zara Qairina Inquest is Proceeding Slowly Due to a High Volume of Witnesses and Procedural Requirements

The inquest into the death of 13-year-old Zara Qairina Mahathir is progressing slowly, with only 19 per cent of the proceedings completed. This slow pace is attributed to the substantial number of witnesses yet to be heard, including a significant proportion of children who require special interview arrangements, as well as the potential addition of further expert testimony. The inquest, initially slated to conclude by September 30, is now anticipated to extend beyond the upcoming state election and likely continue until the end of the year.
A Large Number of Witnesses Remain to Be Heard

A total of 68 witnesses are estimated to be called during the inquest, but only 14 have provided testimony thus far. This leaves a considerable number of individuals, including those directly involved in the alleged bullying incident, who still need to present their accounts. The sheer volume of testimony required is a primary factor in the extended timeline of the proceedings.
Special Arrangements Are Required for Child Witnesses

A significant portion of the remaining witnesses, approximately 35, are children. Legal protocols dictate that these young witnesses must be interviewed on camera, adding a layer of complexity and time to the investigative process. This requirement necessitates careful scheduling and adherence to specific procedures to ensure the integrity of their statements and their well-being.
Additional Witnesses May Be Called

The legal teams involved are also considering the introduction of further witnesses. Lawyers representing one of the accused students are seeking to call an additional expert witness, while the legal representatives for Zara Qairina’s mother are expected to present their own witnesses. These potential additions further contribute to the ongoing nature of the inquest.
External Factors May Impact Scheduling

The ongoing inquest has already surpassed its original September 30 deadline, and its continuation is expected to extend beyond the upcoming state election. This intersection of legal proceedings with political events highlights the potential for external factors to influence the scheduling and overall duration of such investigations, further delaying their conclusion.

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Why is the Zara Qairina inquest proceeding so slowly?

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