Anwar Ibrahim sodomy charge dismissed by Malaysian judge

Second acquittal of opposition leader on sex charges is a shock ahead of poll that could shake ruling Umno party's grip on power

guardian.co.uk, Kate Hodal in Bangkok and agencies,  Monday 9 January 2012

Anwar Ibrahim, flanked by his wife, Wan Azizah Ismail, makes a speech
 to supporters after his acquittal on sodomy charges.
Photograph: Bazuki Muhammad/Reuters

A Malaysian court has acquitted the opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim of sodomy charges in a shock ruling that could fast-forward the former deputy prime minister's political comeback ahead of an expected election this year.

Anwar, 64, was charged in 2008 with having sex with a male former aide, and could have faced whipping and up to 20 years in jail if found guilty. Under Malaysian law sex between males is a punishable offence even if consensual.

The judge, Zabidin Mohamad Diah, expressed doubts over the validity of DNA samples provided as evidence and told the packed Kuala Lumpur courtroom: "Because it was a sexual offence the court is reluctant to convict on uncorroborated evidence. Therefore the accused is acquitted and discharged."

Anwar and his supporters claimed the allegations were a government plot to weaken his three-party coalition, which made unprecedented gains in the 2008 elections. Anwar is considered the glue binding together the alliance of Islamists and an ethnic Chinese party.

"Thank God justice has prevailed," Anwar said after the verdict. "I have been vindicated. To be honest I am a little surprised."

Some 5,000 supporters awaited the ruling outside the court, chanting "reformasi" (reform) and waving placards bearing the message "People are the judge".

The court's decision follows a week-long nationwide tour during which Anwar rallied for support and said his alliance would continue with or without him.

"Anwar in jail, Anwar out of jail… it doesn't matter. The more important [thing] is people should overthrow Umno," he told followers, referring to the United Malays National Organisation, which has ruled Malaysia for 50 years.

"I'm not guilty. I'm a victim of slander … there is no case if they follow the facts or the law," he said.

It is the second time in 14 years that Anwar has faced the courts. He was jailed in 1998 for six years on sodomy and corruption charges after disagreements with the then premier, Mahathir Mohamad, in what was widely seen as a politically motivated prosecution. The sodomy charge was overturned in 2004.

The current government, led by Najib Razak as prime minister, said the ruling proved that Malaysia's legal system was free and impartial, despite claims to the contrary by opposition activists.

"Malaysia has an independent judiciary and this verdict proves that the government does not hold sway over judges' decisions," the government said.

Related Article:

Anwar Accuser Accepts Sodomy Verdict