Amnesty to observe Anwar's trial

Amnesty to observe Anwar's trial

KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): A representative of human rights group Amnesty International said on Sunday he would seek proof of "judicial independence" at the trial of former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim.

Mark Daly, a Canadian lawyer based in Hong Kong, arrived here on Saturday to observe Anwar's two-week trial on four corruption charges starting on Monday and briefly met with Anwar's wife Azizah upon his arrival.

"I am here to ensure that a fair procedure of justice is carried through, that fair trial procedures are observed in accordance with international standards," Daly told AFP.

He said he look for "factors of judicial independence, watch out for any political influences" and see whether Anwar is allowed "full access to lawyers at all times of the procedure."

Daly said he would be at the court house before 6:00 a.m. on Monday (5 a.m. Jakarta time) to "try and get a seat" for the trial.

Anwar's sacking as deputy prime minister and finance minister, and his alleged beating in detention, have sparked global interest in the case and triggered criticism of Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad.

Amnesty has supported Anwar's contention that the 10 charges of corruption and sexual misconduct against him were "politically motivated." If convicted of the charges, Anwar faces up to 20 years in prison.

But Daly said on Sunday he had no preconceptions about the case and that he was a "skeptic at heart" and had not drawn any conclusions.

"I will talk to as many people as possible," he added. Daly said he would stay until the weekend, and two Amnesty researchers from London -- Tim Parritt and Bob Kellock -- would attend the remainder of Anwar's trial.

He added that he would also gather information about other issues, such as freedom of expression in Malaysia, during his stay here.

Reports from Canberra said that Prime Minister John Howard was expected to meet privately with Mahathir at the APEC meeting this month, Foreign Minister Alexander Downer said on Sunday.

United States President Bill Clinton will not pay Mahathir a customary courtesy visit because of the arrest and trial of the Malaysia's former deputy leader, according to administration sources.

But Downer said Australia's government did not want the controversy to harm the Asia Pacific Economic Cooperation meeting of 21 nations.

Downer said Howard, along with many regional and other leaders, had expressed concern about Anwar's treatment, and he expected the issue to come up during talks between Howard and Mahathir.