Malaysian demonstrators urge release of opposition leader
Thousands of anti-government demonstrators have rallied in the Malaysian capital city of Kuala Lumpur’s business district, calling for the release of jailed opposition leader and former prime minister, Anwar Ibrahim.
The demonstrators marched toward the capital’s Petronas Towers chanting “Free Anwar!” and “Reform.”
The ex-premier’s supporters, who were led by members of his family, including his daughter, also chanted “Down with Najib,” referring to current Prime Minister Najib Razak.
Ibrahim was incarcerated a month ago over sodomy charges, and was later sentenced to five years in jail. The former prime minister denies the charges against him and says his incarceration is politically motivated.
The government strongly denies the claim, saying the judicial system in the country is independent.
Ibrahim has also applied for an unlikely pardon from the country’s royal family.
Some foreign countries, including the United States, also say the untimely conviction of the opposition leader has raised serious questions over the impartiality of the judicial body in Malaysia.
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