February 02, 2010 19:17 PM
International Observers Attend Anwar's Trial
KUALA LUMPUR, Feb 2 (Bernama) -- The sodomy trial of opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim at the High Court here has attracted international observers and representatives of foreign embassies.
Several were present at the High Court Tuesday when trial judge Datuk Mohamad Zabidin Mohd Diah heard Anwar's application to stay the trial and attempts by his lawyers to get a review of last week's Federal Court decision not to grant Anwar access to documents from the prosecution.
International Bar Association representative Jennifer Robinson said she was happy that the court had acknowledged their presence to be observers.
"Even though it's too early to say much about this case, we are happy to be here and allowed to follow the proceedings," said the London-based Robinson.
International Commission Jurists and Law Asia representative Mark Trowell said this was not the first time his organisation observed court proceedings in Malaysia.
He was here during DAP chairman Karpal Singh's sedition trial last year.
"I wanted to have a first hand view on this case by following the proceedings of the court," stressed Trowell.
Another observer from European Union (EU) said it was important to follow the trial because it was a high profile case and that he would submit a report to the EU headquarters at end of the trial.
"My duty is just to observe what is happening in the court and I will take turns with other embassy representatives from EU countries before making our own evaluation of the trial," he said.
Malaysian Bar Council representative Rajpal Singh said the strong presence of international observers showed that international community was concerned with the trial, which involved an opposition leader.
"They generally wanted to ensure that Anwar will get a fair trial," said Rajpal, who is hold a watching brief for the council.
-- BERNAMA
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