Why is the first woman charged under Sosma still on the run?

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First Woman Charged Under Sosma Remains at Large After Absconding on Bail

The first woman charged under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), religious teacher Halimah Hussein, is currently on the run after absconding from bail. A warrant for her arrest was issued by the Court of Appeal on May 31, and despite ongoing police efforts, her whereabouts remain unknown. Halimah was initially granted bail by the court, a discretion she took advantage of to evade legal proceedings.
High Court Acquittal Overturned by Court of Appeal

Halimah Hussein, along with Yazid Sufaat and Muhammad Hilmi Hasim, were initially acquitted by the High Court. The High Court judge ruled that Sosma could not be applied to the trio as it was deemed ultra vires Article 149 of the Federal Constitution. However, the prosecution successfully appealed this decision at the Court of Appeal, leading to the reversal of the acquittal and the subsequent issuance of the arrest warrant for Halimah.
Charges Related to Promoting Terrorist Activities in Syria

The charges against Halimah Hussein, Yazid Sufaat, and Muhammad Hilmi Hasim pertained to promoting and abetting terrorist activities in Syria. Halimah, aged 52 at the time of her arrest, was detained alongside Yazid Sufaat, a former Internal Security Act detainee, and Muhammad Hilmi Hasim, a cafeteria helper. The prosecution's successful appeal at the Court of Appeal reinstated the charges, making Halimah a fugitive from justice.
Sosma's Provisions and Enforcement Challenges

Attorney-General Tan Sri Abdul Gani Patail highlighted that Sosma allows bail only under special circumstances. He expressed dismay that the court's discretionary decision to grant bail to Halimah was exploited, leading to her abscondment. The AG's comments came during a talk on Sosma, where he also detailed the Act's facilitation of investigations during events like the Lahad Datu intrusion and its provisions for detention periods and communication interception. The ongoing challenge in apprehending Halimah underscores the complexities faced by law enforcement in cases involving individuals who abscond after being granted bail.

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Why is the first woman charged under Sosma still on the run?

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