Prosecutors appeal against Malaysian opposition leader Anwar's acquittal in sodomy case

Kuala Lumpur, Jan 21(ANI): A Malaysian High Court has been moved by the prosecution to appeal against Opposition Leader Seri Anwar Ibrahim's acquittal on sodomy charges due to lack of evidence

High Court Deputy registrar Halilah Suboh confirmed that a petition seeking to question Anwar's acquittal on January 9 has been filed in the court.

Anwar was earlier acquitted by the High Court over a charge of sodomising Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan due to lack of corroborative evidence.

Justice Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah had earlier ruled that the court could not ascertain that the integrity of the DNA samples has not been compromised.

His verdict had ended the two-year trial in which 27 prosecution and seven defence witnesses were summoned in the court.

Anwar's lawyer S.N. Nair said that he had not been formally notified of the appeal by the prosecution.

"However, if it is true, then it is most regrettable and atrocious given that the trial judge has stated succinctly, in his verdict, that the crucial evidence was tampered," The Star quoted him, as saying.

"Hence the substratum of the prosecution's case is fatally demolished, rendering any appeal, no matter how many times, a desperate act of futility," he added.

But Saiful welcomed the development, saying that it indicated that the Malaysian legal system was fair and efficient. (ANI)