Trial on Lahad Datu intrusion observes minute of silence

KOTA KINABALU: The trial of 30 individuals charged with various offences in connection with the Lahad Datu intrusion in February last year observed a minute of silence in honour of the Malaysian victims of the MH17 tragedy whose remains were flown home today.
Deputy public prosecutor Datuk Abdul Wahab Mohamed choked back tears as he interrupted the proceeding, which commenced at about 9am, to make the request for the moment of silent at 10.35am.
"Your Honour, nobody wanted this (tragedy) to happen...for this, I call on all of us to unite in observing a minute of silence for the victims of MH17," he said.
Justice Stephen Chung, who presided the trial held at the Sabah Prisons Department here, nodded in approval and stood up, followed by those present, including all the 30 accused.
Malaysia is observing a day of national mourning today in honour of the Malaysian victims who perished in the MH17 tragedy.
The proceeding resumed with the prosecution's 34th witness Bukit Aman Special Branch officer ASP Azra Nursaffree Ramli's testimony.
The accused comprised 27 Filipinos and three local residents, who are facing multiple charges of being members of a terrorist group or waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong, recruiting members for a terrorist group or willfully harbouring individuals they knew to be members of a terrorist group. – Bernama