Malaysian GISB Leaders Charged With Intimidating Cases Of Sodomy Of Orphanage Children

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JAKARTA - A Malaysian man, who according to authorities has ties to an Islamic conglomerate suspected of managing an orphanage where children are suspected of being mistreated, was charged with intimidation in court.

Mohamad Riza Makar, 39, pleaded not guilty on charges of threatening a woman who had worked for the conglomerate to withdraw a police report, according to an indictment seen by Reuters and confirmed by police investigators.

State news agency Named Mohamad Riza, a businessman with three wives and 10 children, was released on a guarantee of 10,000 ringgit (USD 2,360).

If found guilty on charges of intimidation of criminal cases, he could face imprisonment of up to two years, a fine or both.

Mohamad Riza and his lawyers could not be reached for comment after the trial. The company's representative, Global Ikhwan Services and Business (GISB) Holdings, did not respond to a request for comment.

Last week, police rescued more than 400 children in raids in 20 orphanages that authorities said belonged to GISB. Many children show signs of sexual harassment and neglect, police said.

GISB said it did not manage the shelter and denied widespread allegations of abuse, although its chief executive admitted on Saturday that "one or two" sodomy cases occurred in those homes.

Mohamad Riza became the second figure related to the GISB investigation which was indicted in court.

Last week, a 19-year-old girl was charged with child abuse in connection with the case, Bernama reported.

GISB has been linked to Al-Arqam, a religious sect banned by the government in 1994. The company has recognized the relationship but now describes itself as an Islamic conglomerate based on Islamic principles.