Police Arrest Anwar Supporters Ahead of Protest

Several opposition leaders were arrested Friday, and riot police, some toting machine guns, were deployed in the Malaysian capital as authorities stepped up an apparent crackdown ahead of a protest in support of jailed politician Anwar Ibrahim.

At least three officials of the opposition National Justice Party were arrested before dawn Friday. Police said they had orders to arrest four other rally organizers.

The activists say they are marking the High Court ruling a year ago today that sent the former deputy prime minister to prison for six years on charges of abuse of power. Anwar says the charges were trumped up to end his chances of becoming prime minister.

The rally is expected to start at the city’s main mosque and culminate in a march to the king’s palace to demand an end to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad’s 18-year rule.

Mahathir’s critics say the premier is trying to intimidate his opponents.