Malaysia’s Anwar in court for appeal against sodomy conviction

A court in Malaysia is hearing a final appeal filed by opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim, against his sodomy conviction.  

Mr Anwar was accused of sodomising a male aide in 2008. Sodomy is illegal in Islam, but very few people are ever prosecuted.

The popular politician was sentenced to five years in jail in March after an earlier acquittal was overturned.

He says the case is a move by the ruling coalition to prevent him from participating in politics. 

Hundreds of Mr Anwar's supporters gathered in front of the court house, in the administrative capital to protest, calling for justice.

Mr Anwar is widely seen as the only man who can break the governing coalition's dominance in Malaysia.

BBC