Pubdate: Fri, 23 Sep 2005
Source: New Straits Times (Malaysia)
Copyright: 2005 NST Online
Contact:  http://www.nst.com.my/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/3734
Author: A. Hafiz Yatim
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/pot.htm (Cannabis)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/topics/Death+Penalty (Death Penalty)

INDONESIAN GETS DEATH FOR DADAH TRAFFICKING

"You Should Be Ashamed Of Yourself And Apologise To Your Country And
Countrymen Who Come Here To Find A Job And Earn An Income Legally."

High Court judge Datuk Abdull Hamid Embong said this to Mardani
Hussin, 29, an Indonesian charged with trafficking in 927g of cannabis.

"You should also apologise to Malaysians for being involved in dadah,"
he said.

"You entered Malaysia illegally in February 2002 and within eight
months you were caught with the drug."

In sentencing Mardani to death, Abdull Hamid said there was only one
sentence for dadah trafficking.

Mardani looked stunned and cried after Abdull Hamid passed the
sentence.

Mardani, a labourer from Aceh, was charged with trafficking the drug
in Jalan Raja Mahmud, Kampung Baru here about 9.30pm on Oct 22, 2002.

The seven-day trial began on Sept 8 and the prosecution called six
witnesses.

Earlier, counsel Ameenud-din Ibrahim told the court that Mardani
wished to apologise to the court and the public.

Deputy public prosecutor Mohd Abazafree Mohd Abbas prosecuted.

Abdull Hamid in convicting Mardani said the court could not accept his
evidence.

"It failed to create doubts to the prosecution's case and hence the
court convicts you."

Abdull Hamid, in his grounds of judgment, said it was "illogical" that
Mardani did not attempt to deny that the package containing the
cannabis was his, after he was caught by the police.

"If he had claimed the package belonged to a friend by the name of Roy
who wanted it to be taken to his friend Md Nor, he should have quickly
informed the police when he was arrested."

Mardani was jailed for four months in Oct 2002 by the magistrate's
court for not having a passport. 
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