Malaysian activist's body exhumed for 2nd autopsy

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia – The body of a Malaysian opposition activist who died after being questioned by anti-graft officials was exhumed for a second autopsy Sunday after Thailand's top pathologist suggested the death appeared to be a homicide.

Teoh Beng Hock, an aide to an opposition legislator in central Selangor state, was found dead next to the office of the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission on July 16, a day after he was queried over alleged misuse of state funds by his boss.

Pathologists from first autopsy said he apparently jumped out of the 14th floor of the commission's office and landed nine floors below on the roof of an adjacent building.

The government launched an inquest into his death in August after thousands of opposition supporters staged rallies, accusing the commission of causing Teoh's death. Commission officials denied responsibility saying Teoh died after being released.

Pornthip Rojanasunand, who heads the Thai Central Institute of Forensic Science, told the inquest last month she was 80 percent certain that Teoh's death was a homicide. Her testimony contradicted evidence given by two Malaysian government pathologists, who claimed Teoh most likely committed suicide.

Gobind Singh Deo, a lawyer for Teoh's family, said his body was exhumed Saturday for a new autopsy.

"His body is still in good condition. With this second autopsy, the family hopes to unravel the truth and seek justice for Teoh," he told The Associated Press.

The autopsy will be conducted by the forensic head at a government hospital, assisted by Pornthip and five other doctors, including a British pathologist hired by the Malaysian Anti-Corruption Agency and the two doctors who conducted the first autopsy, he said.

The findings may be presented at the inquest, which will resume Dec. 9, he added.

Pornthip, who gained prominence in her work to help identify the remains of Asian tsunami victims in 2004 and in the recent death of Hollywood star David Carradine in Bangkok, was requested as an expert witness by Teoh's family and the Selangor opposition-led administration.

Based on autopsy reports and photos, Pornthip said marks around Teoh's neck showed he may have been strangled. A wound to Teoh's anus was caused by penetration from an object before his fall, she said. A skull fracture also indicated he may have been bludgeoned, she added.

Accusations of police brutality against suspects during interrogations have been frequent, and some activists say this has extended to the anti-graft agency.