Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has been freed on bail after pleading innocent to a sodomy charge.
Anwar was charged in court Thursday and called it a "malicious accusation." The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Government prosecutors claim he sodomized his 23-year-old former aide on June 26 in a condominium in Kuala Lumpur.
Anwar claims the allegation was concocted by the government to destroy his political career and prevent him from returning to Parliament in a by-election later this month. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has rejected Anwar's claim.
The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court scheduled a preliminary hearing for Sept. 10 to determine trial dates.
Anwar was charged in court Thursday and called it a "malicious accusation." The charge carries a maximum penalty of 20 years in prison. Government prosecutors claim he sodomized his 23-year-old former aide on June 26 in a condominium in Kuala Lumpur.
Anwar claims the allegation was concocted by the government to destroy his political career and prevent him from returning to Parliament in a by-election later this month. Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has rejected Anwar's claim.
The Kuala Lumpur Sessions Court scheduled a preliminary hearing for Sept. 10 to determine trial dates.
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