Embassy works to assist Vietnamese murder suspect in Malaysia

(VNF) - The Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia is taking citizen protection measures for Doan Thi Huong, a suspect in the murder of a Democratic People’s Republic of Korean citizen, according to the Foreign Ministry’s Consular Department.

On March 2^nd, representatives of the Consular Department met Huong’s family to explain the case’s procedures and detail the process of legal assistance which must be in line with Malaysia’s law and international practice.

Earlier, the Department had informed the family about its consular visit to Huong and her health condition.

Suspect Doan Thi Huong (yellow shirt) is taken to a court in Sepang district on March 1^st. (Photo: AFP)

On March 1^st morning, when the 14-day duration of custody was over, the suspects (including Vietnamese national Huong) in the murder of Kim Chol, a Democratic People’s Republic of Korean citizen, were taken to a court in Sepang district of Malaysia’s Selangor state to listen to the indictment.

Representatives of the Vietnamese Embassy in Malaysia were present at the court to protect the legitimate interests of Huong.

The Embassy’s citizen protection measures within its jurisdiction aim to ensure procedures in the case are equal, objective and impartial, and Huong’s legitimate interests are protected. The measures included seeking a lawyer for Huong in line with Malaysia’s legal regulations, the Consular Department said.

Also on March 2^nd, the Vietnam Bar Federation's Chairman, Do Ngoc Thinh told Dan Tri/DTiNews that they have proposed to the Ministries of Justice and Foreign Affairs to send lawyers to provide legal assistance for Ms. Doan Thi Huong.

"We've also discussed with some lawyers who have experiences at international courts and they are all willing to join in this case," Mr. Thinh said.

Mr. Thinh added that Malaysian laws do not allow foreign lawyers to practice in their country, but Vietnam can find ways through diplomatic channels so that its lawyers can help Huong./.

( Compiled by VNF )