Malaysia opposition leader: Harassed by ‘desperate’ government sex accusations
http://www.rawstory.com/rs/2014/04/20/malaysia-opposition-leader-harassed-by-desperate-government-sx-accusations/
Malaysia opposition leader: Harassed by desperate government sex accusations
By Kate Hodal, The Guardian
Sunday, April 20, 2014 21:14 EDT
The last time Anwar Ibrahim, Malaysias opposition leader, was sent to prison, he read the complete works of Shakespeare, (five times), wrote essays and treatises, gave interviews and strategised about how best to lead the opposition party to victory against the ruling party, which has governed this south-east Asian nation for nearly 60 years.
Ten years later, he once again faces imprisonment on sodomy charges, which he claims are politically motivated.
His case has gripped Malaysia in its range from the absurd to the bizarre. Charged in 2008 with sodomising a former male aide, Anwar was cleared in 2012 on lack of evidence. But an appeals court overturned the acquittal last month on the eve of a byelection in Malaysias richest state, Selangor, where he was tipped to become chief minister.
Not only did the conviction rely on a witness of doubtful testimony, the appeal was led by the government and the lead prosecutor suddenly did an about-face and switched to Anwars defence team.