Teoh Beng Hock’s death consistent with homicide, lawyer argues at Court of Appeal PUTRAJAYA, May 26 — Evidence supports a finding that DAP political aide Teoh Beng Hock’s death was consistent with that of homicide, the Court of Appeal here heard today. Lawyer Gobind Singh Deo, who is representing Teoh Meng Kee, the brother of Beng Hock, submitted that there was credible evidence to show that there was a pre-fall injury to the neck region of Beng Hock. He said expert evidence showed that there was a bruise on the left side of the deceased neck indicating that some force was applied on his neck. He said that he (Beng Hock) went to the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) office in Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam at 6pm on July 15, 2009 to assist them in their investigation. He contended that Beng Hock was subsequently detained for the purpose of investigation, adding that at all times he was in custody of MACC in their office. Gobind Singh said the fact that Beng Hock’s hand phone was taken from him and that he was also not given access to counsel had amounted to actual, if not constructive arrest thereby making the MACC fully responsible for his safety and life at that time. “The evidence up to this point would suggest that Beng Hock had no reason to want to remain at the office of the MACC but was there because he was required so by the officers of the MACC,” he submitted in the appeal before a three-member panel Court of Appeal judges chaired by Datuk Mohamad Ariff Md Yusof. Gobind Singh said theories of the possibility of accidental death or suicide could not be sustained. “Evidence revealed that the deceased (Beng Hock) did not suffer from psychological illness and had led a normal life. He was to be married soon and was also about to become a father,” he said, adding that all facts showed that he had every reason to want to live. Gobind Singh was making his submission in the appeal brought by Meng Kee against the Jan 5, 2010 decision of the Coroner’s Court which returned an open verdict that Beng Hock’s death was not due to suicide or homicide, and also found no third party involvement in the death. Beng Hock, 30, was found sprawled on the fifth floor landing of Plaza Masalam in Shah Alam where the MACC headquarters was formerly located, on the morning of July 16, 2009. After the Coroner’s Court handed down the open verdict decision, Meng Kee filed an application to the High Court to have that decision reviewed. However, the High Court in Shah Alam rejected his (Meng Kee’s) review application on December 1, 2011. He obtained leave from the Court of Appeal on February 2, last year to appeal against the decision of the High Court. Hearing continues tomorrow. — Bernama
Posted on: Mon, 26 May 2014 11:12:02 +0000
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