8 Aug 2008

Opposition leader charged with sodomy

6:19 am on 8 August 2008

Malaysia's leading opposition figure, Anwar Ibrahim, has been charged with sodomy.

However, he has been granted bail, which will allow him to campaign in a by-election.

Mr Ibrahim, 60, denies an accusation he had sex with a male aide. He faces up to 20 years in prison if convicted.

He is standing in a by-election which is due to be held on 26 August.

The former deputy prime minister was previously convicted of sodomy 10 years ago, but was released from prison in 2004 after the conviction was quashed.

Mr Ibrahim and his supporters say the charges are politically motivated.