What court restrictions are limiting lawyer numbers in the 1MDB trial?

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Court Restrictions Limit Lawyer Numbers in 1MDB Trial Due to Covid-19 Precautions

Current court proceedings for Datuk Seri Najib Razak's 1MDB trial are operating under strict Covid-19 standard operating procedures (SOPs) that significantly limit the number of legal representatives present in the courtroom. These measures, implemented to ensure public health and safety, allow only three lawyers from the prosecution and three from the defence to be seated in the front of the courtroom, a reduction from the pre-pandemic attendance of over ten lawyers per side.
Social Distancing Mandates Reduced Courtroom Presence

The primary driver behind the reduced lawyer numbers is the enforcement of social distancing rules within the courtroom environment. This necessitates a strict allocation of seating, permitting a maximum of three legal counsel for both the prosecution and the defence to occupy the designated front areas. This contrasts sharply with earlier hearings where a larger contingent of legal professionals, often exceeding ten on each side, were present to manage extensive documentation and actively participate in proceedings.
Defence Counsel Utilise Public Gallery and External Consultation

To accommodate the limitations, several lawyers from Datuk Seri Najib Razak's defence team have been observed taking seats in the public gallery. From this vantage point, they continue to follow the proceedings and document key points. While this allows for observation, it restricts direct, immediate consultation, leading to a reliance on passing notes or brief consultations during short adjournments, as suggested by High Court judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah.
Judge Cites Health Concerns and SOP Adherence

High Court judge Collin Lawrence Sequerah has repeatedly explained that the adherence to these restrictive SOPs is rooted in concerns for public health and the paramount importance of health and safety to human life. While acknowledging requests for increased lawyer presence, the judge indicated that any further allowances would necessitate applications being made to the Chief Judge of Malaya, rather than being granted directly by the trial court.
Limited Public Access and Facilities Also Impacted

Beyond the legal teams, the Covid-19 precautions also affect public access to the trial. The public gallery has a limited capacity of 20 individuals due to social distancing requirements, with a restricted number of passes issued to the public and media on a first-come, first-served basis. Similarly, live video feed facilities, established to allow broader coverage, also have limited seating due to these same health and safety protocols.

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What court restrictions are limiting lawyer numbers in the 1MDB trial?

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