A trial that requires two courts and a live link.
The trial of 45 men accused of being Gang 04 members required two courtrooms – one for the suspects and the other for their more than 50 family members and friends.
The Penang High Court had to use a live link for the trial, with the family members and friends of the accused occupying a vacant courtroom while the three-hour proceedings were broadcast live via a projector.
Admission was granted only after registration at a temporary counter set up outside the court reserved for family members, the media and the public.
Security at the trial before Judicial Commissioner Datuk Abdul Wahab Mohamed was tight, with armed policemen standing guard.
Only the prosecutors and lawyers were allowed to enter the courtroom where the accused were seated in the dock and in the public gallery.
The accused are all aged between 20 and 60.
The joint hearing of the suspects, which began on April 2, is scheduled to continue until April 20. A total of 75 prosecution witnesses are expected to be called.
Related report: Feb 20, Tight Security for 36 ‘Gang 04’ Members, Including Datuk, in Court