Anwar charged with sodomy

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was charged today with sodomizing his male aide.

Anwar pleaded innocent in Kuala Lumpur to the charge, which carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison.

Anwar has claimed the allegation was concocted by the government to destroy his political career and prevent him from returning to Parliament in a by-election later this month. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has rejected Anwar’s claim.

Riot police backed by trucks mounted with water cannons surrounded the courthouse.