However, former Australia skipper Ian Chappell, commentating for Test Match Special before the verdict was announced, suggested Ponting should have been suspended.

BBC: Ashes: Ricky Ponting fined by ICC after on-field row

On the day that the court issued its verdict, a special commission which the prime minister had finally agreed to appoint announced that Rahim Noor, the police chief who has admitted beating Mr Anwar, would also be punished.

ECONOMIST: The verdict on Malaysia

"I've had quick verdicts before, but I've never heard of such a quick verdict in a case with so many special circumstances, " Clark said.

CNN: Returned verdict catches everyone off guard

But the Perisic verdict may help to restore faith in the neutrality of the special court.

BBC: Europe

Thursday's verdict may help to restore faith among Serbs in the neutrality of the special court.

BBC: UN court acquits Serbia intelligence chiefs of war crimes

An inquest has recorded a verdict of accidental death on former England all-rounder and BBC Test Match Special commentator Trevor Bailey.

BBC: Essex