Ruckus in court complex as woman tries to stop journalists covering robbery case

The Star

16 hours ago

MELAKA: There was a brief commotion at the court complex in Ayer Keroh here when a woman tried to prevent media personnel from doing their jobs.
It is believed she is related to an accused in an armed robbery case.
The incident occurred on Tuesday (Aug 5) morning near the police counter at the courthouse lobby when two women followed the accused, Amirul Hamry Hambalyi Azahari, 27, as he was being escorted by police after claiming trial to armed robbery at a convenience store here.
While two cameramen recorded the scene with court approval, one of the women, in her 20s, approached a senior television cameraman and put her hand on his shoulder, asking him to stop recording.
A journalist and cameraman from a Chinese media outlet were also reportedly obstructed and verbally attacked during the incident.
Moments earlier, the same woman was seen on camera seemingly attempting to stop media personnel from recording footage as the accused was brought to court.
According to witnesses, both women also claimed that they held official positions.
The commotion, which lasted around two minutes, was quickly brought under control by police personnel.
The accused was brought before Sessions judge Haderiah Siri to face a charge of robbery while armed with a butcher knife.
He is alleged to have made off with RM202.80 in cash, three boxes of cigarettes, and a barcode scanner in the 3am incident at Jalan Laksamana Cheng Ho 2 on July 29.
If convicted, he faces up to 20 years in prison and possible caning under Section 392 of the Penal Code, read together with Section 397.
The accused, who was unrepresented, was granted bail of RM9,000 with additional conditions, including reporting to the police fortnightly and surrendering his passport.
The court fixed Sept 9 for next mention.