MFA releases statement on Altantuya murder trial

The Ministry of Foreign Affairs of Mongolia last week released a statement regarding Altantuya murder trial. Here it is.

The world community is well aware of the brutal murder of Mongolian citizen ALTANTUYA Shaariibuu on October 19, 2006 in Punchak Alam, Malyasia being shot twice and blown up by an explosive.

The Government of Mongolia reaffirms hereby that it has been consistently paying attention, from the very beginning of this notorious crime, to the court proceedings. The Prime Minister and the Minister for Foreign Affairs of Mongolia have sent letters twice each to their Malaysian counterparts expressing their confidence on the related Malaysian authority to bring a murderer to justice and deliberate a fair court conviction for the case.

The Government of Mongolia deeply regrets that the Malaysian High Court judge made a decision, on October 31, 2008, to acquit Abdul Razak Baginda- the murder suspect for killing Mongolian ALTANTUYA Shaariibuu.

Although Mongolia has no legal rights to take part in the Court proceedings, the Government of Mongolia is responsible for protecting legitimate rights and interests of its citizen under international treaties and national legislation.

In connection with the recent court decision to acquit the suspect Abdul Razak Baginda, the Minister for Foreign Relations and Trade of Mongolia, Mr.S.Batbold has again sent a letter addressed to the Foreign Minister of Malaysia, Mr. Rice Yatim requesting the latter to pay attention to and render support for ensuring conditions for a final court decision free from politics and other side influence.

The letter carries a statement by the Mongolian Government testifying that it will have a strong reasoning for turning to the international court in order to defend rights and interests of its citizen if the court final decision results in unfair trial and proceedings.

A trial for the special unit officers charged for the murder is expected to take place shortly and the Mongolian Government keeps its eyes and ears wide open on the proceeding.