Charges loom for Malaysia's Anwar
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Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim is due in court shortly to face charges of sodomy against a 23-year-old former aide.
Mr Anwar has strenuously denied the allegation, describing it as a "fabrication" aimed at derailing his political revival. The 60-year-old was jailed after facing similar accusations 10 years ago. Since his release he has been active in politics but, until recently, not able to officially run in elections. He will go before a judge to face a charge of "carnal intercourse against the order of nature".
Sodomy is illegal in Malaysia and he could face up to 20 years in jail.
The man who led the new opposition coalition to stunning gains in a general election earlier this year has denied the claims from the outset. "This is a lie," Mr Anwar told reporters on Wednesday. He believes it is politically motivated. The accusation is exactly the same as the one he faced in 1998, after he had been sacked as deputy prime minister.
Then he was tried and convicted. He served six years before the guilty verdict was overturned. Fresh allegations surfaced in June - although a recent opinion poll suggests that few Malaysians believe Anwar Ibrahim has committed the crime. The man he says has orchestrated a campaign against him, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, has denied there is a conspiracy. The charges will be made just as Mr Anwar prepares to fight for a seat in parliament, after a ban on his seeking public office expired. He is almost certain to win the by-election at the end of the month.
Mr Anwar has strenuously denied the allegation, describing it as a "fabrication" aimed at derailing his political revival. The 60-year-old was jailed after facing similar accusations 10 years ago. Since his release he has been active in politics but, until recently, not able to officially run in elections. He will go before a judge to face a charge of "carnal intercourse against the order of nature".
Sodomy is illegal in Malaysia and he could face up to 20 years in jail.
The man who led the new opposition coalition to stunning gains in a general election earlier this year has denied the claims from the outset. "This is a lie," Mr Anwar told reporters on Wednesday. He believes it is politically motivated. The accusation is exactly the same as the one he faced in 1998, after he had been sacked as deputy prime minister.
Then he was tried and convicted. He served six years before the guilty verdict was overturned. Fresh allegations surfaced in June - although a recent opinion poll suggests that few Malaysians believe Anwar Ibrahim has committed the crime. The man he says has orchestrated a campaign against him, Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, has denied there is a conspiracy. The charges will be made just as Mr Anwar prepares to fight for a seat in parliament, after a ban on his seeking public office expired. He is almost certain to win the by-election at the end of the month.
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