Razak Baginda cleared of abetment charge, two others face trial

SHAH ALAM: Political analyst Abdul Razak Baginda walked out of the High Court here a free man after being acquitted of abetment in the murder of Mongolian Altantuya Shaariibuu.

The two Special Action Force (UTK) operatives who were charged with murder, however, were ordered to enter their defence. They have chosen to testify under oath.

A free man: Abdul Razak Baginda (centre) smiling as he and his wife Mazlinda Makhzan are mobbedby reporters and photographers outside the court building at 10.10am after his acquittal in Shah Alamyesterday. — KAMAL SELLEHUDDIN / The Star

After being freed, an elated Razak hugged his daughter Rowena and wife Mazlinda Makhzan.

“I just want to go home,” he said while smiling to the crowd. Once home, he went to the mosque for Friday prayers and, like any free man, went grocery shopping.

The prosecution, meanwhile, said it would appeal against the decision.

Related stories:

• Judge: Elements of abetment not proven
• Razak happy to be back home again
• Prosecution establishes case against UTK operatives
• Altantuya’s dad keeps mum