Thursday, January 11, 2007

Appeals Court Says "NO" To Razak Baginda.

News received by SMS alert:
The Court of Appeal upholds Shah Alam High Court's decision to reject political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda's verbal application for extension of bail. He had applied to the Court of Appeal to revise the High Court's decision to refuse an extension of his RM1 million bail. (More info as it comes in.)

Image - Source

From Channel Newsasia:
A prominent Malaysian political analyst charged over the gruesome slaying of a Mongolian model was ordered to remain in jail Thursday when an appeals court rejected his bid for bail.

Abdul Razak Baginda is accused of abetting two policemen to murder Altantuya Shaariibuu, whose body was blown up with explosives. Her shattered remains were found in an isolated area near Kuala Lumpur last November.

Police have said the 28-year-old model was having an affair with Abdul Razak, who has high political connections, and that she was kidnapped from outside his home.

In December he was released on 1.0 million ringgit (274,348 dollars) bail after his lawyers argued he was ill and needed medical treatment.

Bail is rarely given in Malaysia for such serious offences, and the decision was attacked by lawyers for the family of the Mongolian woman.

The High Court on January 5 refused to extend the bail conditions and set a March 2008 trial date, but said it would hear a formal bail application on January 19.

The Court of Appeal on Thursday said it would not intervene before the High Court gives a final decision.

"This is a high-profile case, we have to be very careful about this," said presiding judge Mokhtar Sidin.

"When you want to apply for bail on an unbailable offence there must be a formal application," he said. "Give us grounds why he must be released on bail. Before us there is nothing."

Abdul Razak, who appeared dishevelled and unshaven, was allowed to speak with his lawyers and family before being sent back to jail. He broke down in tears as he hugged his wife and daughter.

The analyst, who is closely linked to senior politicians including deputy prime minister Najib Razak, faces the death penalty if found guilty.

Mongolia's government has said it will monitor the trial, and urged Malaysia to ensure it is transparent and free from political interference.

The two police officers, both from the elite Special Action Force, are accused of killing the woman on October 19 or 20 last year.
Bernama's report HERE

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