Kim Jong Nam murder trial: AGC rejects Vietnam woman's bid to withdraw charge
A 30-year-old Vietnamese woman, charged with the killing of North Korean leader's half-brother Kim Jong Nam, failed in her bid to get the murder charge dropped. (NSTP/SADDAM YUSOFF)
By Rahmat Khairulrijal - March 14, 2019 @ 11:30am
KUALA LUMPUR: A 30-year-old Vietnamese woman, charged with the killing of North Korean leader's half-brother Kim Jong Nam, failed in her bid to get the murder charge dropped.
The decision by the Attorney-General's Chambers was heard today at the High Court, days after her Indonesian co-accused Siti Aisyah was freed.
Doan Thi Houng’s lead counsel Hisham Teh Pok Teik said he was disappointed with the decision and would submit the second representation.
“There is obvious discrimination against my client.
“Bare in mind, the court has ruled out there is a prima facie case against both accused,” he said.
On March 2018, Siti Aisyah and Doan were charged at the Sepang magistrate’s court with murdering Kim Chol, 45, with four others still at large.
Kim Chol was later established to be Kim Jong Nam, the estranged half-brother of North Korean leader Kim Jong-un.
However, on March 11, the same Court had freed Siti Aisyah after prosecutors withdrew the murder charge against her.
Judge Datuk Azmi Ariffin then adjourned the proceeding as Doan was not physically and mentally fit to testified in the witness dock.
“I wish I can continue the proceeding today, unfortunately, from my observation, looking at her, she is not well.
“She must be given an opportunity to be attended by a doctor,” he said, adding tha the proceeding will continue on April 1.
The duo allegedly committed the offence at klia2 departure hall around 9am on Feb 13.
The charge, under Section 302 of the Penal Code, carries a mandatory death penalty.
