Malaysians Rally for Jailed Ex-Deputy Prime Minister

Hundreds of protesters shouted anti-government slogans, set fires and burned a T-shirt with Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s portrait outside a mosque in the Malaysian capital Saturday.

The protesters shouted “Reformasi!” or reform, in front of the mosque in Kampung Baru in the center of Kuala Lumpur, where demonstrators clashed with police two weeks ago in the most violent anti-government demonstration since sacked Deputy Premier Anwar Ibrahim was arrested Sept. 20.

Members of the crowd started two small bonfires fueled by newspapers and banners in the middle of the main intersection outside the mosque.

The protest dispersed about 10:30 p.m. There was no visible police presence in the area throughout the evening.

Earlier in the day, a smaller crowd of 50 protesters gathered at the mosque and shouted “Justice for Anwar!” and called for Mahathir to step down. They later halted their protests for evening prayers.

Anwar, who also served as finance minister, has been charged with five counts of corruption and five counts of sodomy. He has denied all the charges, saying he is the victim of a high-level government conspiracy. He is being tried on four of the five corruption charges.

Small groups of Anwar supporters have gathered near the courthouse since his trial began Monday.

Mahathir sacked Anwar on Sept. 2, saying he was morally unfit.

Anwar was arrested 18 days later after leading protests through Kuala Lumpur streets calling for Mahathir to step down after 17 years in power.

Sporadic protests by Anwar supporters have occurred since then. In the most violent incident, police arrested more than 260 people Oct. 24 when protesters clashed with security forces near the mosque in Kampung Baru. Demonstrators had started bonfires, and 12 protesters and two police officers were injured in the clashes.

Malaysian police have warned Anwar supporters that they would crack down on street protests even if it meant risking harm to women and children.

Authorities have accused Anwar’s supporters of bringing children to the sporadic demonstrations that have taken place in the center of the capital. Police have used water laced with chemicals and tear gas to break up some of the protests.