IPOH: Members of the media were left bemused by the allegedly "special treatment" accorded to Mohd Nazri Abdul Razak, who was charged with the murder of a 17-year-old student, today.
Journalists, who had packed the Ipoh Magistrate's Court compound since 7.30am to snap photos and videos of the accused, were surprised when Mohd Nazri was not taken via the usual route taken by those brought to court.
Despite waiting for hours for a photo or video opportunity at the court entrance, photographers were left disappointed when Mohd Nazri was produced at 9am in court via another route, avoiding the media scrum.
The situation was markedly different from other murder cases, where the media were allowed to easily record and photograph the arrival of the suspects at the complex.
Photographers were taken aback by the 'extra layers' of police personnel at the courthouse, shielding Mohd Nazri away from the press.
Policemen were seen actively filling up the spaces usually taken by members of the media, blocking the paths used by photographers to record visuals of the accused as they are led into court.
Photographers hoping to snap pictures of Mohd Nazri's face were also disappointed when his whole head was covered in clothes.
Only one representative per media organisation was allowed in the courtroom to cover the proceedings.
In addition, only a photographer from Bernama and a cameraman from Astro Awani were allowed to take pictures and videos of the accused before he entered the courtroom.
The proceeding only took about five minutes.
After being brought out of the court complex, Mohd Nazri was escorted into a heavily tinted four-wheel drive which was escorted by four other vehicles.
Earlier, Mohd Nazri, 44, was charged in the magistrate's court here today with the murder of Muhammad Zaharif Affendi Muhd Zamrie, 17.
No plea was recorded from him after the charge was read out before Magistrate S. Punitha as the case comes under the jurisdiction of the High Court.
Mohd Nazri was charged with committing murder at Jalan Taman Jati 1 near SMK Jati, Meru between 12.05pm and 12.40pm on Dec 15.