Anwar still a threat behind bars

Anwar still a threat behind bars

KUALA LUMPUR (Reuters): Malaysia's jailed former deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim is being treated again for a bad back after officials relented and allowed his family to visit him in hospital this week, his lawyer said on Friday.

Anwar was transferred to hospital from prison last weekend but refused treatment when his wife and children were barred from visiting him.

On Wednesday, the opposition Parti Keadilan Nasional led by his wife won a by-election in Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad's home state -- a victory which analysts said showed Anwar remained a potent threat to Mahathir even behind bars.

On Friday, activists held an anti-government protest offering prayers for jailed Anwar at a hospital where he is being treated for a slipped disc.

Dozens of people gathered in a parking lot and cheered as Anwar smiled and waved at them through an open window from his bed on the top floor of the five-story building. Two prison officials stood guard over him.