KUALA LUMPUR: It was a day of mixed emotions at the Sessions Court gallery after Rumah Bonda founder Siti Bainun Ahd Razali was found guilty on two counts of neglect and abuse involving Bella, her adopted daughter who has Down Syndrome.
Supporters firmly rallying behind the #JusticeforBella movement filled the courthouse and breathed a huge sigh of relief when judge Izralizam Sanusi delivered his verdict at 10am today.
Some let out a sharp gasp, and chants of "Allahuakbar" were heard after Izralizam ordered 31-year-old Siti Bainun to serve 22 years of jail time (10 years for neglect, and 12 years for abuse). However, she will only serve 12 as the sentences are to run concurrently.
The court gallery was abuzz with whispers and murmurs in between the proceeding adjournment, where the court gave way for lawyers and deputy public prosecutors to prepare for mitigation submissions, as well as a new application for a stay of execution for Siti Bainun.
Some in the crowd could not hold back their tears during the court proceedings.
Security was tight, as expected for such a high profile case, and people had to jostle with members of the media for access passes to the open court gallery.
A minor commotion erupted over the limited seating, however the court was strict in imposing its "first-come first-served" basis.
Siti Bainun, who was clad in a yellow blouse and black pants, merely stared blankly into space after the verdict and sentencing was meted out by Izralizam.