Malaysia's Anwar Ibrahim arrested

16/07/2008| IslamWeb

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has been arrested outside his home, his lawyer has said.

Mr Anwar was stopped by several police officers outside his home and taken to police headquarters.

His lawyer said no reason was given for the arrest, which came shortly before Mr Anwar was due to give a statement to police over sodomy allegations.

The former deputy prime minister denies the allegations, which he says are aimed at ending his political comeback.

Armed police

Mr Anwar has been has been in a tense stand-off with police since a former male aide accused him of sodomy two weeks ago.

The 60 year-old opposition leader had always been due to report to police on Wednesday, to be interviewed over sodomy allegations.

But police decided not to wait. Mr Anwar was stopped outside the gates of his home on Wednesday morning, by armed police wearing balaclavas.

He was taken to police HQ in a large convoy.

His lawyer and his wife have been seen going into the building.

Mr Anwar's arrest will be seen as provocative by Malaysian opposition groups.

When he was arrested on similar charges 10 years ago, his supporters staged large demonstrations.

A BBC correspondent in Kuala Lumpur, Robin Brant, says it is almost certain that the same thing will happen again now.

Seize power

Mr Anwar recently increased pressure on the Malaysian PM Abdullah Badawi when he said he was poised to seize power with the help of government defectors.

Mr Anwar made his claim at a time when the prime minister is already under intense pressure to resign over poor election results and high fuel prices.

Mr Abdullah has said he will leave office in 2010, defying pressure to step down this December.

PHOTO CAPTION

Malaysia's opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim gestures as he speaks during a televised debate July 15. (AFP)

BBC