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 40-year jail term and 12 strokes of cane on Thursday. The father of the deceased, Mr Shaariibuu Setev, wrote a letter in support of Azilah’s application for a commutation of his sentence, emphasizing the sanctity of life and the importance of recognizing the humanity of all beings. The letter was read out by Azilah’s lawyer to the Federal Court in Putrajaya.
A three-member Federal Court review panel chaired by Chief Justice Tengku Maimun Tuan Mat accepted Azilah’s application for a reduced sentence, citing Mr Shaariibuu’s compassionate plea. The court’s decision to reduce the sentence brings a sense of relief to Azilah, who has been on death row for the past nine years. The reduction to a jail term is a significant development in a case that has been highly publicized and controversial.
Azilah, now 48 years old, was convicted alongside Sirul Azhar Umar for murdering Altantuya by shooting her and then blowing up her body with military-grade C4 explosives at a secluded spot near the Subang Dam in 2006. The gruesome nature of the crime shocked the nation and garnered international attention. The decision to reduce Azilah’s sentence to imprisonment marks a turning point in the case, providing some closure for those involved.
Mr Shaariibuu’s letter emphasized the need to respect the humanity of Mongolians and called for compassion and understanding in considering Azilah’s plea for a reduced sentence. The letter also appealed to Sirul Umar, the co-perpetrator of the crime, as well as the court, prosecutors, and the government to recognize the significance of the request for leniency. The acknowledgment of the importance of life and human dignity in Mr Shaariibuu’s letter played a crucial role in the court’s decision to commute Azilah’s sentence.
The Federal Court’s decision to reduce Azilah’s sentence from death to imprisonment reflects a sense of justice tempered with understanding and compassion. The case of Altantuya’s murder has been a long and drawn-out saga, with various twists and turns over the years. The reduction in sentence brings some closure to a painful chapter in the lives of those affected by the crime, while also highlighting the need for forgiveness and second chances in the criminal justice system.
Azilah’s lawyer expressed relief following the court’s decision, indicating that his client was thankful for the outcome. The 40-year jail term with 12 strokes of cane represents a significant punishment for his involvement in the murder, while also acknowledging the possibility of redemption and rehabilitation. The case of Altantuya’s murder will remain a tragic chapter in Malaysian legal history, but the decision to reduce Azilah’s sentence reflects a commitment to justice tempered with mercy and humanity.
