Kuala Lumpur: International human rights groups criticised Malaysia yesterday after its highest court upheld a sodomy conviction and five-year jail sentence against the political opposition leader.
Anwar: Fair trial right violated, groups say
The International Commission of Jurists said the Federal Court's decision violated Anwar Ibrahim's right to a fair trial.
"This decision is a clear setback to the rule of law in Malaysia and is incompatible with the principle of presumption of innocence," the organisation said.
Phil Robertson, a deputy director of Human Rights Watch, called Anwar's conviction "politically motivated prosecution".
"Allowing this travesty of justice to stand will further undermine respect for rights and democracy in Malaysia," he said.
But the government claimed the court decision was reached through due process.
"Malaysia has an independent judiciary, and there have been many rulings against senior government figures," a statement said. dpa