[Top: The accused being taken to the Petaling Jaya Sessions Court yesterday.]

PETALING JAYA, MALAYSIA: Five despatch riders were yesterday charged at the Sessions Court with raping a 15-year-old girl last month.

Roslan Rosly, 24; Mohammad Shahmir Nasir, 25; Norman Amat Salleh, 21; Mohd Affandi Tahir, 26; and Muhammad Syah Fawwaz Samsudin, 21, were charged with raping the girl in their rented apartment at Mentari Court, Taman Seri Mentari here on Dec 29.

Mohd Affandi and Muhammad Syah Fawwaz were also charged with two others -- Ahmad Faizal Ja'afar and Muhammad Rashikin Ab Rahman, both 25 -- with raping a 14-year-old girl at the same place and time.

All seven claimed trial to the charges.

All the accused, except Muhammad Syah Fawwaz, were represented by counsel Esther Tan Siew Choo. Muhammad Syah Fawwaz was represented by counsel V. Sri Kumar.

Prosecuting officer ASP Chang Chee Fong opposed bail, saying that the accused might harass the victims.

"The accused know where the victims live and there are possibilities that they will harass the victims."

Both lawyers pleaded for bail, saying that the accused would no longer live at their rented apartment but would stay with their families.

Judge Rozina Ayob granted RM6,000 bail each in one surety and warned the accused not to go near or harass the victims.

Fixing Feb 18 for mention, Rozina also ordered the men to report to the nearest police station once a month.