The first day of the trial of Malaysian couple, Azizul Raheem Awaluddin and Shalwati Nor Shal, accused of abusing their four children ended in an emotional note.
Not only did the day began with Shalwati getting choked up seeing her husband Azizul for the first time since being detained in December 2013, she also teared up hearing her lawyer, Kristofer Stahre, read an apology note from her eldest son, Ammar, 12 years old.
The note read:
Mummy, I’m sorry. It was my anger that started this. I will always love you and nothing will change that. Love, Ammar. PS: I will always love you.
The note, which was left out by the prosecutor, Anna Arnell, in her collection of evidence, was asked to be included by Stahre because it showed that Ammar was driven by exaggerated emotions when he told people that he was abused by his mother.
Azizul, who remained composed the first half of the day, eventually had to force himself to look down and away when the prosecutor presented the video testimony of their youngest son, Arif, who is 7 years old.
The videos were shot on three different occasions when an investigating officer, assisted by an English interpreter, interviewed Arif about the different times his parents allegedly abused him. The videos were strikingly uncomfortable to watch due to the confused look of Arif almost throughout all the videos when he was being questioned.
Although he mentioned several occasions of being hit by a cane, hanger and open hand by his mother because he didn’t want to read the Quran, and pinching by his father for not wanting to pray, a majority of his answers to the officer’s questions were, “I don’t know” and “I forgot”.
According to Stahre, the method of questioning by the investigating officer was unprofessional and if it were done in court in front of a judge, it would almost definitely be disallowed. The insistent and repetitive questioning also showed desperation in getting desired answers.
The second day of trial will most probably see the continuation of video testimonies of the couple’s other three children, Aishah, 14, Ammar, 12, and Adam, 11. All four children are now back in Malaysia under the care of an aunty in Kelantan. They were brought home by Deputy Foreign Minister, Datuk Hamzah Zainuddin last month.
The trial is expected to take ten days and the last day will be on March 10, 2014. Both Azizul and Shalwati have pleaded not guilty to all the charges and have been detained since December 18, 2013.
Zan Azlee
Wed Feb 19 2014
Who is Prabowo Subianto, incoming president of Indonesia?
A wealthy ex-general with ties to Indonesia's popular outgoing president and its dictatorial past, looks set to be its next leader.
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.