Azilah Hadri, one of the former Special Actions Unit policemen convicted for the murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu in 2006, had his death penalty reduced to a jail term by the Federal Court in Putrajaya. This decision came after a letter from the deceased’s father, Mr Shaariibuu Setev, was read out in court supporting Azilah’s application. Mr Shaariibuu emphasized the sanctity of life and the right to existence of all beings, asking for leniency for Azilah and urging the same for Sirul Umar, the other perpetrator in the case.
The Federal Court review panel, chaired by Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat, accepted Azilah’s application for a commutation of his sentence, reducing it to a jail term of 40 years and 12 strokes of cane. This decision brings relief to Azilah, who has been on death row for the past nine years after the Federal Court upheld his conviction in 2015. The reduction in sentence marks a significant development in this high-profile case that captured national and international attention.
Azilah, who is now 48 years old, along with his co-perpetrator Sirul Azhar Umar, were found guilty of murdering Altantuya by fatally shooting her and then blowing up her body with military-grade C4 explosives at a secluded spot near the Subang Dam in Puncak Alam, Shah Alam in 2006. The brutal nature of the crime shocked the public and has been the subject of ongoing legal proceedings and appeals since the initial convictions. The decision to reduce Azilah’s sentence reflects a reexamination of the case by the Federal Court review panel.
Mr Shaariibuu’s letter advocating for leniency in Azilah’s case highlights the complex emotions and dynamics involved in this tragic event. His call for respect for the humanity of Mongolians and a plea for clemency for both Azilah and Sirul Umar adds a poignant dimension to the legal proceedings. The Federal Court’s decision reflects a balance between justice for the victim and their family, and a recognition of the rights and humanity of the perpetrators, even in the face of a heinous crime.
Moving forward, the reduction in Azilah’s sentence to a jail term brings closure to this chapter of the Altantuya Shaariibuu murder case. The decision by the Federal Court review panel to commute the death penalty reflects a reevaluation of the circumstances and evidence in the case, ultimately leading to a more lenient sentencing outcome for Azilah. The impact of this decision extends beyond the legal realm, resonating with broader ethical and moral considerations surrounding capital punishment and the right to life. It represents a significant turning point in the complex aftermath of this tragic event, offering a semblance of resolution for all those involved.
