Monday, June 30, 2008

Malaysia's Anwar files lawsuit to clear name of sodomy accusation

By ASSOCIATED PRESS KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has filed a lawsuit against his male aide who accused him of sodomy, which is outlawed in Malaysia.

Anwar's lawyers say the suit is aimed at clearing his name in court amid a scandal that could poison his political aspirations of becoming prime minister.

Anwar filed the lawsuit through his attorneys Monday in the Kuala Lumpur High Court. He is seeking unspecified compensation from the 23-year-old man who made what Anwar called a "malicious" complaint with police Saturday accusing him of sodomy.

Meanwhile, he is hiding in the Turkish Embassy. He says he fears being assassinated.

He told the AP by telephone: "If the government gives me a categorical undertaking for my personal safety I will leave (the embassy) now."

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