Mental Health Defence

Wilfrida Soik, an Indonesian national, was charged in Malaysia with murder, an offence carrying the mandatory death penalty. The matter attracted significant international attention, including concern reported by church and human-rights sources, given issues raised publicly regarding her vulnerability and mental condition.

The case proceeded before the High Court in Kota Bharu. In April 2014, the High Court acquitted Ms Soik, finding that she was of unsound mind at the material time and that the legal requirements for criminal responsibility were not established. The prosecution appealed. In August 2015, the Court of Appeal upheld the acquittal, bringing the proceedings to a close.

Ms Soik was represented by lawyer Tania Scivetti as part of a defence team assembled following the involvement of Prabowo Subianto, now President of the Republic of Indonesia, in a matter that attracted high-level attention and international engagement.