Mr. Anwar Ibrahim has been formally charged with "carnal intercourse against the order of nature" (sodomy) against a former male aide under section 377B of the Penal Code . He appeared in the Sessions Court in Jalan Duta court complex in Kuala Lumpur yesterday and pleaded not guilty. In court, Mr Anwar was released on bail and without surety measures. The opposition leader affirmed that the allegation is politically motivated. FIDH and SUARAM observe that several irregularities have already marked the process : the police refused to publicly release the first information report filed by the complainant, as required under Malaysian law. Moreover, the medical report of an anal examination of the alleged victim conducted by a doctor at Hospital Pusrawi, and leaked on the internet on July 29, found no evidence of "sodomy."
FIDH and SUARAM note with concern that Mr. Anwar was jailed after facing similar accusations 10 years ago. He was convicted and served six years before the guilty verdict was overturned. Since his release he has been active in politics but, until recently, not able to officially run in elections. The accusations against him are brought while he is fighting for a seat in the Parliament. He is running in a by-election for the constituency vacated on July 31 by his wife, Dr. Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.
FIDH and SUARAM recall with consternation that Anwar’s previous trials in 1999 and 2000 on corruption and sodomy charges raised serious concerns about judicial independence and fairness in Malaysia. In addition, FIDH and SUARAM are strongly opposed to any legislation criminalising consensual sex between adults regardless of gender.
« The accusations against the opposition leader seem to be part of an intimidation campaign orchestrated by the current government in order to undermine a strong opposition movement, a necessary component of any full-fledged democracy. We call upon the Malaysian authorities to respect the right to a fair trial as well as the right to participate freely in the political affairs of one’s country », concluded Souhayr Belhassen, President of FIDH.