&nbsp;Malaysia's top court set aside the death penalty on Thursday for a former policeman convicted of the murder of a Mongolian woman, sentencing him instead to 40 years in jail, his lawyer said.

The change comes after Malaysia abolished the mandatory death penalty last year, allowing those on death row to seek review of their sentences.

Azilah Hadri had been handed the death penalty after being found guilty of the 2006 murder of 28-year-old Altantuya Shaariibuu, a model and interpreter to a former associate of former Prime Minister Najib Razak.

A three-member panel of Malaysia's Federal Court unanimously commuted Azilah's death sentence to 40 years in jail, effective from his arrest in November 2006, and 12 strokes of the cane, his lawyer, Athari Bahardin, said.

Shaariibuu Setev, the victim's father, had backed the policeman's request for a commuted death sentence, citing a need to respect the sanctity of life in a letter to the court that was seen by Reuters.

Sangeet Kaur Deo, a lawyer for Altantuya's family, confirmed the authenticity of the letter.&nbsp;

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Altantuya was killed and her body blown up with military-grade explosives in a forest on the outskirts of Malaysia's capital of Kuala Lumpur in 2006, court records show, but the question of who ordered the slaying remains unanswered.

Civil society groups have said her murder was linked to her role as an interpreter in Malaysia’s purchase of two French submarines in 2002.

In a 2019 court filing, Azilah had accused ex-premier Najib, who was Malaysia's defence minister at the time of the murder, of ordering the killing.

Najib, now serving a six-year jail term for corruption, has repeatedly denied allegations linking him to Shaariibuu or graft in the submarine purchases.

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Azilah was convicted in 2015 along with another police officer, Sirul Azhar Umar, who fled Malaysia shortly before the verdict was handed down.

Both were serving on Najib's security detail at the time of the murder.

Sirul, arrested on an Interpol notice, was held in an Australian immigration detention centre for nearly nine years before his release in November 2023.

Australian law forbids the deportation of people to places where they face the death penalty.

Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Malaysia's top court set aside the death penalty on Thursday for a former policeman convicted of the murder of a Mongolian woman, sentencing him instead to 40 years in jail, his lawyer said.

Malaysia's top court set aside the death penalty on Thursday for a former policeman convicted of the murder of a Mongolian woman, sentencing him instead to 40 years in jail, his lawyer said. The change comes after Malaysia abolished the mandatory death penalty last year, allowing those on death row to seek review of their sentences. Azilah Hadri had been handed the death penalty after being found guilty of the 2006 murder of 28-year-old Altantuya Shaariibuu, a model and interpreter to a former associate of former Prime Minister Najib Razak. A three-member panel of Malaysia's Federal Court unanimously commuted Azilah's death sentence to 40 years in jail, effective from his arrest in November 2006, and 12 strokes of the cane, his lawyer, Athari Bahardin, said. Shaariibuu Setev, the victim's father, had backed the policeman's request for a commuted death sentence, citing a need to respect the sanctity of life in a letter to the court that was seen by Reuters. Sangeet Kaur Deo, a lawyer for Altantuya's family, confirmed the authenticity of the letter. Also read | Senior Hezbollah official eludes Israeli assassination attempt in Beirut Altantuya was killed and her body blown up with military-grade explosives in a forest on the outskirts of Malaysia's capital of Kuala Lumpur in 2006, court records show, but the question of who ordered the slaying remains unanswered. Civil society groups have said her murder was linked to her role as an interpreter in Malaysia’s purchase of two French submarines in 2002. In a 2019 court filing, Azilah had accused ex-premier Najib, who was Malaysia's defence minister at the time of the murder, of ordering the killing. Najib, now serving a six-year jail term for corruption, has repeatedly denied allegations linking him to Shaariibuu or graft in the submarine purchases. Also read | Pakistan: 20 dead as armed men storm private coal mine in Balochistan Azilah was convicted in 2015 along with another police officer, Sirul Azhar Umar, who fled Malaysia shortly before the verdict was handed down. Both were serving on Najib's security detail at the time of the murder. Sirul, arrested on an Interpol notice, was held in an Australian immigration detention centre for nearly nine years before his release in November 2023. Australian law forbids the deportation of people to places where they face the death penalty. Disclaimer: This story has been published from a news agency feed with minimal edits to adhere to WION's style guide. The headline may have been changed to better reflect the content of the story or to make it more suitable for WION audience.

Malaysian court commutes death penalty of ex-policeman involved in Mongolian model's murder

Malaysian ex-leader Najib Razak was found guilty Tuesday of all charges in his first trial over the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal.

"In conclusion, after considering all the evidence in this trial, I find the prosecution has successfully proven the case," Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali told the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

Najib was facing seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power for allegedly illegally receiving nearly $10 million from former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) unit SRC International. He has plead not guilty.

A scion of one of Malaysia's most prominent political families, he faces 42 charges in five separate trials and could face years in prison.

The current trial involved a charge of abuse of power, three charges of criminal breach of trust and three money laundering charges.

The judge said Najib failed to raise reasonable doubt and that prosecutors had established beyond reasonable doubt that Najib misappropriated money for his own use. 
 
High Court Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said Najib`s lawyers had "not succeeded in rebutting the presumption on the balance of probabilities or raising reasonable doubt on the charge" of abuse of power.

The former prime minister, who was voted out in a historic 2018 election, faces dozens of criminal charges over allegations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB.

Prosecutors allege more than $1 billion of the funds made its way into his personal accounts.

(With inputs from agencies)

Malaysian ex-leader Najib Razak was found guilty Tuesday of all charges in his first trial over the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal. "In conclusion, after considering all the evidence in this trial, I find the prosecution has successfully proven the case," Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali told the Kuala Lumpur High Court.

Malaysian ex-leader Najib Razak was found guilty Tuesday of all charges in his first trial over the multi-billion-dollar 1MDB scandal. "In conclusion, after considering all the evidence in this trial, I find the prosecution has successfully proven the case," Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali told the Kuala Lumpur High Court. Najib was facing seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power for allegedly illegally receiving nearly $10 million from former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) unit SRC International. He has plead not guilty. A scion of one of Malaysia's most prominent political families, he faces 42 charges in five separate trials and could face years in prison. The current trial involved a charge of abuse of power, three charges of criminal breach of trust and three money laundering charges. The judge said Najib failed to raise reasonable doubt and that prosecutors had established beyond reasonable doubt that Najib misappropriated money for his own use. High Court Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said Najib`s lawyers had "not succeeded in rebutting the presumption on the balance of probabilities or raising reasonable doubt on the charge" of abuse of power. The former prime minister, who was voted out in a historic 2018 election, faces dozens of criminal charges over allegations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB. Prosecutors allege more than $1 billion of the funds made its way into his personal accounts. (With inputs from agencies)

Malaysia's former PM Najib Razak found guilty on a charge of abuse of power

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has failed to raise reasonable doubt over an abuse of power charge, a high court judge said on Tuesday, in the first trial linked to multi-billion-dollar corruption allegations at state fund 1MDB.

The judge did not immediately hand down a formal verdict and was still reading out his opinion on six other charges.

Najib faces seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power for allegedly illegally receiving nearly $10 million from former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) unit SRC International. He has plead not guilty.

High Court Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said Najib`s lawyers had "not succeeded in rebutting the presumption on the balance of probabilities or raising reasonable doubt on the charge" of abuse of power.

The former prime minister, who was voted out in a historic 2018 election, faces dozens of criminal charges over allegations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB.

Prosecutors allege more than $1 billion of the funds made its way into his personal accounts.

The former premier arrived in court to shouts of "long live Najib" by hundreds of supporters who had gathered outside.

Wearing a mask and flanked by top leaders of his party, Najib offered prayers just outside the courtroom.

Najib`s lawyers say he was misled by Malaysian financier Jho Low and other 1MDB officials into believing that the funds banked into his accounts were donated by the Saudi royal family, rather than misappropriated from SRC as prosecutors have alleged. Low denies wrongdoing.

Allegations of corruption over 1MDB have hung over Najib for more than five years. But the criminal charges came only after his defeat in the 2018 election when his successor Mahathir Mohamad reopened investigations.

The closely-watched case is seen as a test of Malaysia`s efforts to root out corruption, after Najib`s party was returned to power in February as part of an alliance led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

The verdict could have far reaching political implications.

A guilty verdict could boost Muhyiddin`s credibility with the public, but weaken his coalition, which counts Najib`s United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) as its biggest component - and potentially trigger snap polls.

An acquittal could turn public sentiment against Muhyiddin, and encourage the opposition to challenge the ruling coalition`s two-seat majority in parliament.

The court`s decision comes just days after Malaysia reached a $3.9 billion deal with Goldman Sachs over its role in helping 1MDB raise money.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has failed to raise reasonable doubt over an abuse of power charge, a high court judge said on Tuesday, in the first trial linked to multi-billion-dollar corruption allegations at state fund 1MDB.

Former Malaysian Prime Minister Najib Razak has failed to raise reasonable doubt over an abuse of power charge, a high court judge said on Tuesday, in the first trial linked to multi-billion-dollar corruption allegations at state fund 1MDB. The judge did not immediately hand down a formal verdict and was still reading out his opinion on six other charges. Najib faces seven charges of criminal breach of trust, money laundering and abuse of power for allegedly illegally receiving nearly $10 million from former 1Malaysia Development Berhad (1MDB) unit SRC International. He has plead not guilty. High Court Judge Mohamad Nazlan Mohamad Ghazali said Najib`s lawyers had "not succeeded in rebutting the presumption on the balance of probabilities or raising reasonable doubt on the charge" of abuse of power. The former prime minister, who was voted out in a historic 2018 election, faces dozens of criminal charges over allegations that $4.5 billion was stolen from 1MDB. Prosecutors allege more than $1 billion of the funds made its way into his personal accounts. The former premier arrived in court to shouts of "long live Najib" by hundreds of supporters who had gathered outside. Wearing a mask and flanked by top leaders of his party, Najib offered prayers just outside the courtroom. Najib`s lawyers say he was misled by Malaysian financier Jho Low and other 1MDB officials into believing that the funds banked into his accounts were donated by the Saudi royal family, rather than misappropriated from SRC as prosecutors have alleged. Low denies wrongdoing. Allegations of corruption over 1MDB have hung over Najib for more than five years. But the criminal charges came only after his defeat in the 2018 election when his successor Mahathir Mohamad reopened investigations. The closely-watched case is seen as a test of Malaysia`s efforts to root out corruption, after Najib`s party was returned to power in February as part of an alliance led by Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin. The verdict could have far reaching political implications. A guilty verdict could boost Muhyiddin`s credibility with the public, but weaken his coalition, which counts Najib`s United Malays National Organisation (UMNO) as its biggest component - and potentially trigger snap polls. An acquittal could turn public sentiment against Muhyiddin, and encourage the opposition to challenge the ruling coalition`s two-seat majority in parliament. The court`s decision comes just days after Malaysia reached a $3.9 billion deal with Goldman Sachs over its role in helping 1MDB raise money.

Malaysia's Najib failed to 'raise reasonable doubt' on abuse of power charge: Judge

Malaysia's disgraced former leader Najib Razak will go on trial Wednesday over a multi-billion-dollar financial scandal that contributed to his long-ruling coalition's downfall last year and sent shockwaves around the world.&nbsp;

The 65-year-old will face the first of several trials over his alleged involvement in the looting of sovereign wealth fund 1MDB, a state investment vehicle established to develop the economy of the Southeast Asian nation.

The former premier and his cronies are accused of plundering billions of dollars from the fund and spending it on everything from high-end real estate to artworks in a fraud that stretched around the world.&nbsp;

He had been tipped to win another term in office easily last year and extend his coalition's six-decade stranglehold on power, only to be soundly defeated by his former boss, Mahathir Mohamad, who rode a wave of public anger to the premiership.

In the months that followed, once-dormant investigations into 1MDB were relaunched and Najib was hit with dozens of corruption charges linked to the scandal.

In Wednesday's trial, due to start at 2:00 pm, Najib will face seven charges of corruption and money laundering over the alleged theft of some $10.3 million&nbsp;from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit.

It is only a fraction of the money allegedly stolen from 1MDB, and hundreds of millions of dollars are believed to have ended up in Najib's accounts alone.

He has denied any wrongdoing.

Najib was initially due to stand trial in February, but appeals by his defence team over procedural matters saw his case put on hold until a judge last week ruled the trial should finally proceed.

Time to 'face justice'&nbsp;

While many of his cohorts have been caught and charged in Malaysian courts, the alleged mastermind behind the 1MDB scandal, playboy financier Jho Low, is still at large.

Local media reported the former premier made a bid on Monday to delay his trial yet again, although this failed.

Cynthia Gabriel, head of the non-profit group The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism, told AFP that Malaysians had been waiting "too long" for the trial to begin.

"The multiple delays are so obvious and deliberate, it's a way of pushing the trials further," she said.

"It's apparent that the former ousted PM isn't quite ready to sit in the dock and face trial, be cross-examined, and get embarrassed."

Fahmi Reza, a graphic artist who was slapped with a jail term and fined for depicting Najib in a caricature as a sinister clown, said it was the ex-premier's turn to "face justice".&nbsp;

"Today, it is your turn to be dragged here to face justice for the crime of corruption and abuse of power during your reign," he said in a tweet.

Najib's former mentor turned nemesis Mahathir, now 93 and in his second stint in office, has pledged to bring him to justice and bring back the huge sums of cash stolen from 1MDB.

The US Department of Justice, which is investigating the controversy as money was allegedly laundered through the US financial system, believes $4.5 billion in total was looted from 1MDB.

Malaysia has also charged Wall Street titan Goldman Sachs over the scandal, alleging the bank and its former employees stole billions of dollars from 1MDB.

Goldman units and two ex-bankers are accused of misappropriating $2.7 billion, bribing officials and giving false statements in relation to bond issues they arranged for the fund. The bank has vowed to fight the charges.

Malaysia's disgraced former leader Najib Razak will go on trial Wednesday over a multi-billion-dollar financial scandal that contributed to his long-ruling coalition's downfall last year and sent shockwaves around the world.

Malaysia's disgraced former leader Najib Razak will go on trial Wednesday over a multi-billion-dollar financial scandal that contributed to his long-ruling coalition's downfall last year and sent shockwaves around the world. The 65-year-old will face the first of several trials over his alleged involvement in the looting of sovereign wealth fund 1MDB, a state investment vehicle established to develop the economy of the Southeast Asian nation. The former premier and his cronies are accused of plundering billions of dollars from the fund and spending it on everything from high-end real estate to artworks in a fraud that stretched around the world. He had been tipped to win another term in office easily last year and extend his coalition's six-decade stranglehold on power, only to be soundly defeated by his former boss, Mahathir Mohamad, who rode a wave of public anger to the premiership. In the months that followed, once-dormant investigations into 1MDB were relaunched and Najib was hit with dozens of corruption charges linked to the scandal. In Wednesday's trial, due to start at 2:00 pm, Najib will face seven charges of corruption and money laundering over the alleged theft of some $10.3 million from SRC International, a former 1MDB unit. It is only a fraction of the money allegedly stolen from 1MDB, and hundreds of millions of dollars are believed to have ended up in Najib's accounts alone. He has denied any wrongdoing. Najib was initially due to stand trial in February, but appeals by his defence team over procedural matters saw his case put on hold until a judge last week ruled the trial should finally proceed. Time to 'face justice' While many of his cohorts have been caught and charged in Malaysian courts, the alleged mastermind behind the 1MDB scandal, playboy financier Jho Low, is still at large. Local media reported the former premier made a bid on Monday to delay his trial yet again, although this failed. Cynthia Gabriel, head of the non-profit group The Centre to Combat Corruption and Cronyism, told AFP that Malaysians had been waiting "too long" for the trial to begin. "The multiple delays are so obvious and deliberate, it's a way of pushing the trials further," she said. "It's apparent that the former ousted PM isn't quite ready to sit in the dock and face trial, be cross-examined, and get embarrassed." Fahmi Reza, a graphic artist who was slapped with a jail term and fined for depicting Najib in a caricature as a sinister clown, said it was the ex-premier's turn to "face justice". "Today, it is your turn to be dragged here to face justice for the crime of corruption and abuse of power during your reign," he said in a tweet. Najib's former mentor turned nemesis Mahathir, now 93 and in his second stint in office, has pledged to bring him to justice and bring back the huge sums of cash stolen from 1MDB. The US Department of Justice, which is investigating the controversy as money was allegedly laundered through the US financial system, believes $4.5 billion in total was looted from 1MDB. Malaysia has also charged Wall Street titan Goldman Sachs over the scandal, alleging the bank and its former employees stole billions of dollars from 1MDB. Goldman units and two ex-bankers are accused of misappropriating $2.7 billion, bribing officials and giving false statements in relation to bond issues they arranged for the fund. The bank has vowed to fight the charges.

Former Malaysian PM Najib Razak to go on trial for corruption

A Malaysian court Monday freed an Indonesian woman accused of assassinating the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother after prosecutors withdrew the murder charge against her.

Siti Aisyah had been accused alongside Doan Thi Huong from Vietnam of killing Kim Jong Nam by smearing VX nerve agent on his face at Kuala Lumpur airport in February 2017, in a brazen Cold War-style hit that shocked the world.

"Siti Aisyah is freed," judge Azmin Ariffin told the Shah Alam High Court, as he approved a request from the prosecutor to drop the murder charge. He granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal.

"She can leave now."

In his request to withdraw the charge, prosecutor Muhammad Iskandar Ahmad did not give a reason for the move in court. He said Aisyah was free to leave the country.

Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia Rusdi Kirana told reporters: "We are pleased with the court decision. We will try to fly Siti back to Indonesia today or as soon as possible."

It was a surprise move as the court had been scheduled to hear Huong -- who was in court alongside Aisyah -- testify on Monday.&nbsp;

A Malaysian court Monday freed an Indonesian woman accused of assassinating the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother after prosecutors withdrew the murder charge against her.

A Malaysian court Monday freed an Indonesian woman accused of assassinating the North Korean leader Kim Jong Un's half-brother after prosecutors withdrew the murder charge against her. Siti Aisyah had been accused alongside Doan Thi Huong from Vietnam of killing Kim Jong Nam by smearing VX nerve agent on his face at Kuala Lumpur airport in February 2017, in a brazen Cold War-style hit that shocked the world. "Siti Aisyah is freed," judge Azmin Ariffin told the Shah Alam High Court, as he approved a request from the prosecutor to drop the murder charge. He granted a discharge not amounting to an acquittal. "She can leave now." In his request to withdraw the charge, prosecutor Muhammad Iskandar Ahmad did not give a reason for the move in court. He said Aisyah was free to leave the country. Indonesian ambassador to Malaysia Rusdi Kirana told reporters: "We are pleased with the court decision. We will try to fly Siti back to Indonesia today or as soon as possible." It was a surprise move as the court had been scheduled to hear Huong -- who was in court alongside Aisyah -- testify on Monday.

Malaysia court frees Indonesian in Kim Jong Nam murder case

Indonesian woman 'surprised' by Malaysia court decision to drop murder charge

Malaysian Court frees Kim Jong-Nam murder suspect

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