Kim Jong Nam Murder: Siti walks free, Doan remains on trial

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02:33

Now to Kuala Lumpur after a shocking turn of events, as Kim Jong Nam's murder trial resumes. Charges against Indonesian Siti Aisyah were dropped at the prosecution's request. Vietnamese Doan Thi Huong is now the sole suspect on trial for the murder of the estranged half-brother of DPRK leader Kim Jong Un. Rian Maelzer reports from Shah Alam, Malaysia.

Siti Aisyah arrived in handcuffs and bullet-proof vest. But she walked out of the suburban courthouse a free woman.

The prosecution dropped the first-degree murder charge against the Indonesian for the killing of Kim Jong Nam and she was whisked away to freedom in an embassy car.

GOOI SOON SENG SITI AISYAH'S LAWYER "We still truly believe that she is merely a scapegoat and she is innocent. We have already submitted much earlier in the day even though the defence has been called that fact there was no direct evidence that she applied anything on Kim Jong Nam."

Doan's lawyers say they were blindsided by the prosecution's decision to drop the charges against Siti and without giving any rationale.

HISYAM TEH POH TEIK DOAN THI HUONG'S LAWYER "Doan was obviously disappointed as there is no equal treatment given to her, no fairness displayed to her and she's in no position to testify. You saw her condition. She was traumatized by the unfair decision given to one and not to the other.

RIAN MAELZER KUALA LUMPUR "While sitting in the courtroom, Siti smiled broadly as the prosecution revealed they were dropping the case against her. She hugged Doan before leaving the courtroom, HER ordeal now over."

Later she spoke to the media at the Indonesian embassy.

SITI AISYAH FORMERLY ACCUSED IN KIM JONG NAM'S MURDER CASE "I'd like to say thank you to the Malaysian authorities for setting me free. Me, I'm healthy. I was treated well in prison."

Doan was set to begin testifying Monday, but the court adjourned early. And before it resumes Thursday, Doan's legal team will petition the attorney general for charges to be dropped against their client as well.

Rian Maelzer, CGTN.