Judge’s Big Decision Incoming on Kim Jong‑Nam’s 2017 Assassination
Why the Court is in the Spotlight
On Thursday, a Malaysian judge will weigh whether Siti Aisyah of Indonesia and Doan Thi Huong of Vietnam actually pulled the trigger—literally—on Kim Jong‑Nam, a former North Korean heir‑apparent who was shot down by a nerve agent at Kuala Lumpur airport. Their families are waiting with hopeful hearts, while the prosecution looks confident. The verdict will shape whether the trial goes on or if the pair get a clean bill of health.
Who They Are and What They Face
- Siti Aisyah – Indonesian woman, top of the list in the case.
- Doan Thi Huong – Vietnamese woman, charged alongside Siti.
- Both could face death by hanging if found guilty.
The Alleged Plot
According to court filings, the duo were supposedly recruited by four North Korean operatives. They allegedly smoothed a lethal dose of VX onto Kim’s face as he checked in for a flight to Macau. A freak‑flick of “Kim Jong‑Nam” on the global stage.
What The Defense Says
The lawyers spin a tale that hinges on Soviet‑era espionage to boot:
- They claim the victims were exploited by North Koreans who set up a “prank” for a reality‑TV vibe.
- They argue no intention to kill – the “chemical” was just a prank gone wrong.
- They claim these women are scapegoats and the real masterminds remain at large.
What The Court Heard
In a surreal mix of CCTV footage and forensic evidence, the court saw Huong limbing up behind Kim and wiping his face. The detectives noted traces of VX on both the victims’ clothing and on Kim’s spectacles.
Family Backstories
The families are not just breathing hope; they’ve got a punchy narrative too:
- Doan Van Thanh, Huong’s dad, telling AFP he sees his daughter as a “charming, hardworking girl” who never could be a killer.
- They insist North Korea is the puppet master, blindly pushing her into the “knife‑sized” assassination.
Potential Outcomes
If the judge finds “not enough evidence,” the pair might walk out of the courthouse. Yet the plot thickens: the prosecution could appeal, and immigration authorities could still lock them down over alleged visa violations.
South Korean Connection
South Korea accuses North Korea of orchestrating the hit— a charge Pyongyang repeatedly shuts down. This dispute does nothing to ease the nerves of those panicked by the looming verdict.
Bottom Line
When the judge settles on the case, the world will know whether the alleged “assassins” step out of the shadows or remain in a court-bound bubble. Either way, it’s a high‑stakes headline waiting to unfold.
