KOTA KINABALU: The High Court here today tentatively fixed June 20 to decide on the fate of 19 accused in the Lahad Datu intrusion case.

Justice Stephen Chung tentatively fixed the date after the defence closed its case today, having called 20 witnesses over 24 days since Feb 25.

He also fixed June 10 for hearing of submissions by both parties. The prosecution began its case on Jan 6, 2014 with 30 individuals – 27 Filipinos and three local men – accused of various offences linked to the armed intrusion at Kampung Tanduo in Lahad Datu in February 2013.

The prosecution had called 166 witnesses over 239 days of proceeding which ended on Jan 5.

On Feb 5, Chung ordered 19 of the 30 accused to enter their defence after finding that the prosecution had succeeded in establishing a prima facie case.

However, on Feb 23-24, nine of the 19 chose to plead guilty, but the judge reserved sentencing after the defence closed its case.

Four of the nine each had two charges brought against them – waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong and being members of a terrorist group – but only pleaded guilty to being members of a terrorist group.

Meanwhile, the prosecution and defence debated on whether it was admissable to tender an affidavit of a prosecution witness as evidence in the defence trial today.

Philippine Notary Public and lawyer Takahiro Kenjie Cinco Aman said on May 3 this year, he received a request from a woman to notarise the affidavit at his office in Manila.–BERNAMA 156 reads

Read More : http://www.nst.com.my/news/2016/05/146157/fate-19-accused-lahad-datu-intrusion-be-decided-june-20

-NST