Malaysia's Justice Shift: Death Penalty Commuted in Altantuya Murder

Malaysia's top court commuted the death sentence for ex-policeman Azilah Hadri to 40 years imprisonment for the 2006 murder of Altantuya Shaariibuu. The ruling follows the abolition of mandatory death penalties, allowing reviews for those on death row. The case remains controversial with links to former Prime Minister Najib Razak.

In a landmark decision reflective of changing judicial tides, Malaysia's highest court has replaced the death sentence of former police officer Azilah Hadri with a 40-year jail term. Azilah was implicated in the 2006 murder of Mongolian model Altantuya Shaariibuu, a case fraught with controversy and high-profile political connections.

This is a significant move following Malaysia's decision to abolish the mandatory death penalty, thereby opening avenues for inmates on death row to seek reviews. Azilah's commutation was supported by the victim's father, emphasizing a respect for life's sanctity amid ongoing debates about the case's political implications.

The murder, linked to Malaysia's procurement of French submarines, has fueled speculation about the involvement of then Defence Minister Najib Razak. Despite persistent denials, the backdrop of Najib's current incarceration for corruption adds a complex layer to an already murky narrative.

(With inputs from agencies.)