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UN's Anwar report slap in face for Najib, says PKR
Published:  Nov 19, 2015 9:37 AM
Updated: 5:02 AM

The declaration by the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (WGAD) that jailed former opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was a victim of arbitrary detention was a major blow to Prime Minister Najib Razak’s credibility, says PKR Youth.

“We welcome the recent declaration by the UN WGAD in recognising Anwar as a victim of arbitrary detention, or a political prisoner.

“This declaration is based upon the body’s assessment that Anwar was imprisoned after an unfair trial and that basic elements of the rule of law had been breached during the course of the trial – thus making his imprisonment illegal.

“As the prime minister is fond of giving homilies to international audiences on moderation and the rule of law, the recent stance taken by the UN puts a severe dent into the PM’s credibility,” said PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad in a statement today.

“This damning indictment is an embarrassment to the prime minister and the BN government,” he added.

His statement follows the government’s repeated denial yesterday that Anwar’s jailing is a political conspiracy.

The jailed opposition leader was initially found not guilty of the charge but the decision was overturned on appeal, and upheld at the Federal Court.

He is currently seeking a review of the decision and his five-year prison sentence at the Federal Court, and is focusing his case on the grounds of political conspiracy.

'Sham trial'

Nik Nazmi said WGAD’s stand is based upon the body’s assessment of an “unfair trial” and “basic elements of the rule of law had been breached” during the course of the trial “thus making his imprisonment illegal”.

The government yesterday insisted that Anwar had been given a fair trial.

However, Nik Nazmi said apart from the UN many international governments and NGOs as well as religious figures such as Syeikh Yusuf Qardawi have also voiced their concerns over the government’s treatment of Anwar.

“Most right thinking Malaysians and the international community are convinced that Anwar’s trial was nothing less than a sham and as such justice has not been served,” said Nik Nazmi.

The Youth chief urged countries close to Malaysia to take the cue from the UN’s position and “take the necessary steps to make their stand known to the Najib administration”.

He said international pressure was imperative due to Anwar’s ill health and urgent need for specialist care, which his party has accused the government of not adequately providing.

Related reports

Anwar's political conspiracy holds no water, repeats gov’t

Anwar’s Sodomy II review kicks off at Federal Court

Anwar cites 'black eye' in arguing political conspiracy

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