Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade

Prime murder suspect acquitted in Malaysia of Altantuya Shaariibuu slaying

The Mongolian Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Trade, released a press statement on November 6. 2008 in connection with a recent Malaysian court decision to acquit Abdul Razak Baginda suspected of aiding and abetting the murder of Mongolian citizen Altantuya Shaariibuu.

MFAT's statement reads. "The world community is well aware of the brutal murder of Mongolian citizen ALTANTUYA Shaariibuu on October 19, 2006 in Punchak Alam, Malyasia - shot twice and then blown up with explosives. The Government of Mongolia hereby reaffirms its consistent attention, since the very beginning of this notorious crime, to the Malaysian court proceedings. Mongolia's Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs have both twice sent letters to their Malaysian counterparts expressing their confidence that the relevant Malaysian authority would bring the murderer to justice and that a fair court conviction would be obtained on the case.

The Mongolia Government heard with deep regret the Malaysian High Court judge's decision reached on October 31, 2008 to acquit Abdul Razak Baginda - the prime murder suspect in the killing of Mongolian ALTANTUYA Shaariibuu. Although Mongolia has no legal rights to take part in the Court proceedings, the Government of Mongolia is responsible to protect the legitimate rights and interests of its citizens under international treaties and national legislation. In connection with the recent court decision to acquit the suspect, A.R.Baginda, Mr. S. Batbold Mongolia's Minister of Foreign Relations and Trade, again sent a letter addressed to the Foreign Minister of Malaysia, Mr. Rice Yatim requesting the latter to pay attention to and render support to ensure conditions for a final court decision free of political or other influences.

The letter includes a statement by the Mongolian Government testifying that it will have a strong reason to appeal to the international court in order to defend the rights and interests of this particular citizen if the court's final decision results from an unfair trial and/or proceedings. The trial of the special unit officers charged for this murder is expected to take place shortly and the Mongolian Government will keep its eyes and ears wide open during the proceedings."

THE MONGOL MESSENGER