[ Laman Ehwal Semasa ReformIS ]
Date: 10 Aug 1999
Time: 00:23:36
Remote User: -
Riot police deployed as supporters prepare to celebrate Anwar birthday
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 10 (AFP) - At least 15 truckloads of riot police were deployed near Malaysia's federal court building Tuesday as supporters of Anwar Ibrahim, the jailed former deputy premier, prepared to celebrate his birthday.
Police deployed water cannon and a police dog unit near the court as Anwar's trial on a new charge of sodomy resumed.
Anwar supporters said earlier they planned to display a large card outside the courthouse as Anwar celebrated his 52nd birthday.
Pockets of bystanders milled about without affecting downtown rush hour traffic.
Mahfuz Omar, youth chief of the opposition Parti Islam Semalaysia, told AFP the deployment of additional police was unjustified and provocative.
"I understand people will merely gather to celebrate with Anwar but the presence of the police will frighten them."
"This is one form of provocation ... to see a tense situation especially oustside the courthouse and to put the blame on the supporters of Anwar," he added.
The area round the courthouse was the scene of major clashes between police and Anwar's supporters in April when he was sentenced to six years' jail for abusing his position to cover up allegations of sexual misconduct.
He faces an additional sentence of up to 20 years if convicted of sodomy in the latest trial, which began in June.
Anwar was fired by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad in September last year and was arrested two and a half weeks later for being a threat to national security.