FridayOL

Dutch Model's Death: Lawyer Alleges Police Neglected Court Order and Failed to Investigate Properly

KUALA LUMPUR - A contentious legal battle continues to surround the death of Dutch model Ivana Smit, with claims that Malaysian police failed to adequately investigate her death eight years ago, despite a court order mandating a more thorough probe. The allegations, presented in the Kuala Lumpur High Court, have reignited public interest and raised serious questions about the handling of the case.

Ivana Smit was found dead in a luxury condominium in Bukit Bintang in 2017. Initially, authorities ruled her death as accidental, attributing it to a fall from the balcony. However, Smit's family has consistently disputed this conclusion, asserting that the circumstances surrounding her death were suspicious and warranted a more rigorous investigation.

The lawyer representing Smit's family, in a recent court hearing, presented evidence suggesting that police disregarded a court order issued earlier, which specifically instructed them to reopen and conduct a more in-depth investigation into the case. The lawyer argued that the initial investigation was rushed and incomplete, failing to explore crucial leads and potentially overlooking vital evidence.

“The court order was clear. It directed the police to diligently pursue all avenues of inquiry and to leave no stone unturned in their efforts to determine the true circumstances of Ivana Smit’s death,” the lawyer stated, adding that the family believes that crucial witnesses were not adequately interviewed and that forensic evidence was not properly analyzed.

The case has drawn international attention, with Smit's family tirelessly campaigning for justice and transparency. They have expressed frustration with the perceived lack of progress in the investigation and have accused authorities of deliberately obstructing their pursuit of truth. The family has sought assistance from international legal experts and human rights organizations to bolster their efforts.

What Happened? A Timeline of Events

• 2017: Ivana Smit found dead in a Bukit Bintang condominium. Initial ruling: accidental fall.
• Subsequent Years: Smit's family challenges the initial ruling, alleging foul play.
• Court Order: High Court orders a reopening of the investigation.
• Present: Lawyer claims police failed to comply with the court order and conduct a thorough probe.

The ongoing legal proceedings are expected to shed further light on the events leading up to Smit’s death and to determine whether the police adequately fulfilled their duty to investigate the case. The family remains hopeful that the court will compel authorities to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation, finally bringing closure to this tragic and complex case. The outcome of this case could have significant implications for the handling of similar investigations in Malaysia and reinforce the importance of adhering to court orders and ensuring justice for victims and their families.

The High Court is currently considering the evidence presented and is expected to deliver a ruling in the coming weeks. The family’s lawyer has vowed to continue fighting for justice until the truth is revealed and those responsible for Smit's death are held accountable.