Azilah Hadri, the former chief inspector with the Special Action Unit (UTK), acquitted of the murder of Mongolian national Altantuya Shaariibuu today, was released from Kajang Prison just after the Court of Appeal's decision.

"He left the prison by 11.45am. He left with  a relative and they went for Friday prayers," said prisons Department director-general Zulkifli Omar, through a phone interview with reporters waiting at the main entrance to Kajang Prison.

According to  reporters who covered the Court of Appeal judgment, Azilah was returned to prison by 11am, for "processes to be settled" before being released.

kajang prison reporters waiting for azilah's release Some 20 reporters, photographers and videographers waited outside the prison, but  failed to interview him.

Up to now, the media has yet to capture clear pictures of the two accused of Altantuya's murder - Azilah and Corporal Sirul Azhar Umar, as they wore masks whenever brought to court.

"Azilah has no intention of speaking with the media. He wants to be with his family first," said lawyer Hazman Ahmad, who represented Azilah.

According to one reporter who had arrived early outside Kajang Prison, Azilah's sister was spotted, parking her car and walking into the prison compound, but it is not known when she left.

'Prison took good care of me'

When Azilah met Bernama earlier before the court gave the verdict, he told the news agency he had not changed physically since he was charged but spiritually he felt "too small" and wished to be home now. 

Azilah, who was accompanied by prison officers during the court proceeding, appeared to be surprised when the decision of the three-member panel led by Court of Appeal judge Mohd Apandi Ali, was read out. 

altantuya trial 160707 azilah Outside the courtroom, Azilah, his voice shaking, said he was grateful to Allah as his prayers had been answered. "I am still nervous," he said.

"I need to go back to Kajang Prison to thank those who had taken care of me there...they took good care of me. I want to perform my Friday prayers and sort out other matters after that," he added. 

Azilah's fiancee Nor Azila Baharuddin, 35, was seen to be in tears upon hearing the Court of Appeal's decision. She said Allah had answered hers and their families' prayers for Azilah to be freed one day.

Nor Azila said they got engaged in 2006 and since Azilah faced the murder charge the same year, she never gave up and visited him in prison once a week. 

"I was trembling upon hearing the court's decision. I couldn't believe it at first, but I am really happy as this is the moment I have been waiting for. Syawal this time is beautiful," she added.

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