Sabah court sets September trial dates for 30 Kiram followers

From GMA News (Jul 20): Sabah court sets September trial dates for 30 Kiram followers

A Sabah court on Monday set September 17 to 27 as the trial dates for at least 30 followers and sympathizers of Sulu Sultan Jamalul Kiram III for clashes with Malaysian forces in Lahad Datu earlier this year.

The high court in Kota Kinabalu is handling the case against 27 Filipinos and three Malaysians who had been charged with terrorism and waging war against the King, Malaysia's Bernama news agency reported.

The Filipinos were charged with waging war against the King, an offense punishable by death upon conviction; and terrorism, which is punishable by life imprisonment.

On the other hand, one of the three Malaysians is a woman who faces charges of harboring terrorists. She may face life imprisonment if convicted.

The two Malaysian men were charged with being members of a terrorist group and with treason against the King.

Justice P. Ravinthran said the court would sit at the General Operations Force Center in Kinarut, in anticipation of the large number of people to be tried.

He also said the time frame for the trial was sufficient, noting the prosecution would present at least 50 witnesses.

The Bernama report also said Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail told the court the Filipinos wrote to the office of the Chief Justice of Sabah and Sarawak, asking them to revoke the appointment of their lawyers by the Kota Kinabalu High Court.

He said they had requested that their counsel be appointed by the Philippine government.

However, Ravinthran said he would decide on the matter after reading the letter.

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