Brussels, 14/03/2014 (Agence Europe) - On 13 March, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton was said to be “concerned” at the reversal of the acquittal of Malaysian opposition leader, Anwar Ibrahim. “The conduct of this high-profile trial has raised a number of concerns regarding due legal process”, said Ashton's spokesperson. The EU is equally concerned at “what appears to be selective prosecution against Mr Anwar” and the “hasty conclusion of the appeals procedure which directly impacts on his participation in the democratic process”, the spokesperson added.
Ashton's spokesperson stated that the EU notes that the carrying out of the verdict has been stayed and that bail has been granted to the defendant pending his appeal. “The EU will continue to follow the case closely”, he said.
Ibrahim was sentenced to five years in prison on accusations of sodomy, preventing him from participating in the local elections in March. In Malaysia, sodomy is a crime punishable with 20 years in prison. (CG)