KUCHING, June 6 ― Native customary rights (NCR) lawyer Baru Bian said today the discharge and acquittal of a businessman in the murder of land rights activist Bill Kayong was devastating blow for justice.
“It is obvious to all that Kayong was murdered for his activities in helping to defend the lands of the indigenous people, but the prosecution had failed to put up a credible case against the mastermind,” he said.
The High Court in Miri today acquitted Datuk Stephen Lee, 46, of abetting in the murder of Kayong, without calling his defence.
The court also discharged and acquitted Lie Chang Loon, 38 and Chin Wui Chung, 51, of the same offence under Section 109 of the Penal Code.
However, the main suspect, Mohamad Fitri Pauz, 30, was ordered to enter his defence and his trial will continue on June 14. He is charged under Section 302 of the Penal Code, which carries the death penalty upon conviction.
Kayong was shot dead in the morning of June 21 last year at a traffic light in the Kuala Baram district while he was on his way to work.
Baru, who is also state PKR chairman and Ba'Kelalan state assemblyman, claimed the trial judge had been palpably frustrated by the prosecution's efforts.
