MALAYSIA: IRANIAN FAMILY ON DRUG CHARGE SAVED FROM THE GALLOWS

July 31, 2012: Three members of an Iranian family were saved from the gallows when the High Court in Malaysia acquitted them of a drug charge under Section 39B(2) of the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952.
Judge Datuk Abdul Alim Abdullah acquitted Mandana Rahmani Hassan, 24, a marriage counselor, her taxi driver husband Vahid Kazemi Mostafa, 29, and her mother Sousan Simaei Oshtorniani, 51, who were charged with trafficking in 1.413 kg of methamphetamine at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport on Aug 14 2010.
In his judgement, Abdul Alim expressed satisfaction that the trio came to Malaysia on a group tour arranged by a travel agent.
He also accepted the testimonies of witnesses stating the drug filled bag was given to them by a travel agent named Akhbar and his assistant Nasir.
The family was represented by Parvinder Singh Doal.
Six prosecution and three defence witnesses were called on throughout the trial. (Sources: BERNAMA, 31/08/2012)