Australian woman sues Malaysia Airlines for $200,000 over sexual assault by chief steward

The chief steward of Malaysia Airlines is facing sexual assault charges filed by a 28-year-old Australian traveler for over $200,000 under the Montreal Convention. Laura Bushney was travelling from Kuala Lumpur to Paris on Aug 4, 2014 when Chief Steward Mohd Rosli Bin Ab Karim allegedly attacked her.

Karim reportedly confessed to sexually attacking Bushney and has been charged by French authorities but is out on bail, reports News.com.au. The incident was sparked by Bushney informing the cabin crew of her fear of flying, Karim then promised to check on her during the 13-hour trip.

He first rubbed her foot then her stomach and thighs and eventually placed his hands insider her pants to touch her private parts. At this point, Bushney threw up and Karim left. Upon arrival at the Charles de Gaulle Airport in Paris, Bushney complained about the chief steward’s behaviour to a Malaysia Airlines official.

She was warned of repercussions if her accusations were false, but the Australian woman proceeded with filing the complaint. The air carrier required Bushney to go through DNA testing. Two weeks after the incident, Malaysia Airlines fired the chief steward, reports Free Malaysia Today.

Bushney claimed suffering from body injuries, including genital trauma and redness, abrasions, physical manifestations from the shock of assault – including tears and sleeplessness – plus racing heart, nausea and post-traumatic stress disorder.

She has two years to seek compensation for physical injuries and financial losses under the Montreal Convention. Bushney claims she continues to suffer from pain, inconvenience, loss of enjoyment of amenities of life, lost income and she now has a permanent disability.

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