Altantuya Murder Trial - Judge Refuses To Withdraw From Hearing Case

The High Court which resumed the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder trial here rejected the application by Karpal Singh, who is acting as counsel for the family of the Mongolian woman, for the trial judge to withdraw from handling the case, Bernama reported.

Justice Datuk Mohd Zaki Md Yassin made the decision when the hearing resumed today after being postponed on June 4.

Earlier, Karpal had made an oral application for the judge to withdraw, citing family ties between Mohd Zaki and one of the defence counsels as grounds for the aplication.

Deputy Public Prosecutor Tun Abdul Majid Tun Hamzah later objected the grounds raised by Karpal as being too remote.

The court was packed with the family members of the accused and members of the media, some arriving as early as 5.30am to secure seats in the public gallery that can accommodate only 120 people.

The trial is being closely followed by local and foreign media due to the presence of political analyst, Abdul Razak Abdullah Baginda, 46, who is charged with abetting two policemen in the murder of Altantuya, 28.

Police Special Action Squad personnel, Chief Inspector Azilah Hadri, 30, and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, 35, are charged with committing the murder between Lot 12843 and Lot 16735, Mukim Bukit Raja, near here between 10pm on Oct 19 and 1am on Oct 20 last year.

Abdul Razak is charged with abetting the policemen at his office on Level 10, Bangunan Getah Asli, Jalan Ampang, Kuala Lumpur on Oct 18 last year.

The three accused face the death sentence if convicted.

More on this HERE.
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UPDATE: Prosecutor says Mongolian woman was blown up with explosives.