[PHOTOS] The Day Anwar Ibrahim Was Sent To Jail For The Second Time

PKR’s Fariz Musa is calling out for reformasi with loud applause from the audience outside the Palace of Justice. Thanking the audience for their attendance and support for Anwar, Fariz expressed hopes that the decision today would be in Anwar’s favour. He also spoke of rumours on social media that he paid RM150 to each supporter who turned up today. “It went viral that I would pay RM150 to those who come today. But I only have 1 ringgit in my pocket,” he said receiving a thunderous applause.

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“Saiful is not an accomplice and there is enough corroborative evidence to support his testimony,” he adds. Justice Arifin rules that there is no break in custody of the samples and that DSP Jude Pereira, the investigating officer, was careful in leaving the cut plastic bag hanging. The top judge rules that the samples are not contaminated.

After reading for two hours, Justice Arifin arrives at the guilty verdict. The judge says there is overwhelming evidence that Saiful was sodomised by the accused because there is substantial scientific and corroborative evidence.

Anwar tells his grandchildren to concentrate on their studies, while an ashen-faced Wan Azizah says the family must remain strong. Anwar hugs his daughter Nurul Izzah and Wan Azizah as the two struggle to fight back tears. Emotions are running high as Anwar embraces other family members.

Minutes after the verdict is announced, the Prime Minister's Department issues a press statement, which reads:

"The judges will have reached their verdict only after considering all the evidence in a balanced and objective manner. Malaysia has an independent judiciary, and there have been many rulings against senior government figures.

"The police report against Anwar Ibrahim was brought by a private individual - Anwar's employee and personal assistant - not by the government. As the victim of a serious sexual assault, he had every right to have his case heard in court.

"In this case, exhaustive and comprehensive due process has been followed over many years. That process is now complete, and we call on all parties involved to respect the legal process and the judgment".

"Najib’s government has persisted in its politically motivated prosecution of opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim at the expense of democratic freedoms and the rights to non-discrimination and privacy for all Malaysians.

“Allowing this travesty of justice to stand will further undermine respect for rights and democracy in Malaysia,” says its deputy Asia director Phil Robertson.

Following his request, Anwar is allowed to address the court. He says that he will accept the decision and remain patient. “I maintain my innocence and that it is a political conspiracy to stop me,” he adds.

Anwar raised the issue of political conspiracy, and criticised the judges for "bowing to their political masters". "You could have carved your names. But in bowing to the dictates of your political masters, you have become partners in the murder of the judiciary. You chose to remain on the dark side," he adds, prompting Justice Arifin to tell him to stop.

When Anwar refused, the judges left the bench. However, the opposition leader continues speaking in a loud tone, vowing that he will continue to fight for justice and freedom. "I will not surrender."

"See you in some years," said the Opposition leader as he waved to the public gallery after hugging his family who burst into tears upon hearing the verdict He then turned to his grandson and said, "Remember what I told you, you must go to school." He was also seen consoling his wife, Datuk Seri Dr Wan Azizah Wan Ismail and his eldest daughter, Nurul Izzah Anwar. Anwar's father-in-law Wan Ismail Wan Mahmood was also in tears.

"Saiful was thankful to God. This case was based on the police report he made in June 2008 and nothing has changed or been added on since then. He has waited seven years for justice," said Zamri.

themalaysianinsider.com