EU disappointed with Anwar’s appeal verdict

The European Union today expressed its disappointment with the Federal Court decision to uphold the conviction of former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim on charges of corruption.

“The EU recalls its deep concern about the fairness of the trial that concluded on April 1999 and expresses its disappointment that the verdict has been upheld on final appeal,” said the EU in a press statement issued on its behalf by the Royal Danish Embassy in Kuala Lumpur.

The EU said it will continue to “monitor closely” the legal proceedings against Anwar who is currently serving a six-year jail term for corruption and an additional nine years for sodomy.

The statement is also supported by Central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries Cyprus and Malta, the European Free Trade Area countries Norway and Liechtenstein and members of the European Economic Area.

The Danish government assumed the presidency of the EU on July 1 this year.

On Wednesday, a Federal Court panel unanimously dismissed Anwar’s final appeal against his conviction for tampering with police investigation into allegations of sexual misconduct.

The US government yesterday issued a statement expressing its disappointment over the verdict and reiterated its position that the legal process in Anwar’s 1999 trial was questionable.

The Washington administration also maintained that it will continue to support democracy, the rule of law and human rights globally as part of its campaign against terrorism.

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