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Monday, May 10, 2004

Anwar in court for 'final appeal' - BBC News

Former Malaysian deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim has returned to court for what his lawyers say is his last chance to overturn his conviction for sodomy.

During the hearing, he shouted abuse at two of the judges, after failing to get them removed from his case.

"I see no point in proceeding if this will be a foregone conclusion. This is a facade of a fair trial," he said.

Mr Anwar was arrested in 1998 after leading anti-government protests. He was later jailed for 15 years.

He claims the trial was politically motivated, and denies all the charges against him.

Human rights groups say the hearing will test the new prime minister's commitment to an independent judiciary.

[More at http://news.bbc.co.uk/2/hi/asia-pacific/3699313.stm]