Two courts and a live link for trial of Gang 04
GEORGE TOWN: The trial of 45 men accused of being Gang 04 members here needed two courtrooms – one for the suspects and one for their more than 50 family members and friends.
The High Court had to use a live link for the trial, with the friends and family members of the accused sitting in a vacant courtroom while the three-hour proceedings were broadcast live via a projector.
Admission was granted only after registration at a counter set up temporarily outside the court reserved for family members, the media and the public.
Security was tight at the trial before Judicial Commissioner Datuk Abdul Wahab Mohamed, with armed policemen standing guard.
Only the prosecutors and lawyers were allowed entry into the courtroom, where the 45 accused were seated in the dock and in the public gallery.
The joint hearing of the accused, which commenced yesterday, is scheduled to continue until April 20. A total of 75 prosecution witnesses are expected to be called.
Asst Supt Mohd Azlan Che Mat, the complainant of the case, was the first witness to be called to testify.
The prosecution tendered his wit- ness statement to the court, and deputy public prosecutor Lim Cheah Yit told Abdul Wahab that the copy of the witness statement was distributed to the respective defence counsel last month.
Lim prosecuted the case along with DPPs Yusaini Amer Abdul Karim and Mohamad Shafiq Mohd Sazalli.
The accused are aged between 20 and 60.
The hearing continues today for cross-examination by the defence lawyers.