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PETALING JAYA: A law firm has successfully raised more than RM45,000 to help a Mongolian woman re-file a civil lawsuit against a former police inspector who she claims raped her.
Through a crowdfunding campaign called “Help a Mongolian Victim Get Justice in Malaysia”, the company managed to raise RM46,500 in fifteen days for the Mongolian Nandine-Erdene Khoskhulug.
Thomas Philip Advocates and Solicitors (Thomas Philip) said that with the funds raised, Khoskhulug can continue his fight for justice by re-filing his civil action against former police inspector Hazrul Hizham Ghazali.
The law firm launched the campaign on the local crowdfunding platform PitchIN.
Of the funds raised, RM6,500 has been allocated to cover the costs of the former Khoskhulug police inspector, who was previously unable to demonstrate that she could afford to pursue civil action.
The remainder of the funds will be used to cover any future cost security applications that may arise with the re-filing of the case, or will be donated to the Malaysia Mongolia Friendship Society.
Thomas Philip founder and managing partner, Mathew Thomas Philip, said the firm is extremely appreciative of the overwhelming support from the public since the campaign was launched.
“Many of our other clients and friends have also sent donations directly to our firm along with messages of encouragement, which have definitely strengthened our determination to obtain justice for Khoskhulug.
“With sufficient funds in place, we can now move on to the next step for our client.
“We are reviewing and weighing our options to ensure that Khoskhulug is fully compensated for the physical, psychological and emotional trauma he has endured over the past few months,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (February 2).
Khoskhulug said that she is truly grateful to each of the people who contributed, allowing her to continue her civil claim.
“Despite the difficulties I am facing, the immense support I have received in the last two weeks has lifted my spirits and given me the strength to fight for what is right and just,” he said.
Thomas Philip said the case will either be reinstated in Superior Court through an appeals process or he will re-file the case in Superior Court and pay the costs of the previous proceedings.
The law firm noted that there are “important legal issues that deserve to be heard in the Superior Court as the court of origin, rather than the Court of Sessions.”
He said he is also awaiting a pending decision in the High Court on the issue of guaranteeing costs for his other client, who had also allegedly been a victim of Hazrul, who is due to make a decision on March 3.
In April last year, Khoskhulug filed a civil lawsuit in Kuala Lumpur High Court seeking statements that Hazrul illegally detained and violated her during the initial motion control order, as well as other damages.
The High Court recently annulled the civil action against Hazrul when Khoskhulug failed to pay RM70,000 in “guarantee of expenses”.
The next case management for the appeal against the “cost guarantee” request is set for March 2.
The firm, which represents Khoskhulug on a pro bono basis, said it was housed in an official shelter for potential trafficking victims during the filing of its lawsuit.
Since then, Khoskhulug has returned to Mongolia and is struggling to raise the necessary funds due to the Covid-19 pandemic and social stigma.
However, she refuses to give up her civil claim and wants to prove her case and clear her name.
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