Malaysian opposition leader’s sodomy acquittal overturned
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A Malaysian court yesterday sentenced opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim to five years in prison on sodomy charges, overturning an earlier acquittal and ending his hopes of contesting a local election this month.
An angry Anwar vowed to appeal to the country’s highest court. He warned Prime Minister Najib Razak’s government that it “faces the wrath of the people.”
The court said Anwar could remain free on bail during the appeal.
Sodomy, even consensual, is a crime in Muslim-majority Malaysia and is punishable by up to 20 years in jail.
Anwar, 66 was accused of sodomizing a male aide in 2008 but was acquitted by the High Court in 2012. The government appealed that decision.
Appeals Court Judge Balia Yusof Wahi said yesterday that the lower court’s decision to acquit Anwar was wrong.
“We unanimously allow this appeal and set aside the decision of the High Court,” he said. Anwar “is convicted and sentenced to five years’ jail,” he added.
The verdict sparked uproar and triggered an outpouring of support for Anwar on Twitter. His wife and children were in tears and supporters outside court house shouted “Free Anwar.”
“It is a clear signal to the people of Malaysia that they are not interested in (the country’s) economic malaise but they are interested in killing political opponents,” Anwar said, referring to Najib’s government.
“They want to end Anwar’s political career but they underestimate the wrath of the people,” he said.
The verdict means Anwar will be unable to run for a seat in Selangor, one of four states ruled by his opposition alliance, this month. He was expected to take over as chief minister of Selangor had he won.
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