Lawyers ask KL court for Anwar's release

Lawyers ask KL court for Anwar's release

KUALA LUMPUR (Agencies): Lawyers for sacked finance minister Anwar Ibrahim on Thursday asked a Malaysian court to free him from detention, saying he was being held illegally and without legal aid.

"We ask for his release on the grounds that he is being held illegally," one of Anwar's eight lawyers, who declined to be identified, said after filing a writ of habeas corpus in the Kuala Lumpur High Court for his release.

Anwar, on trial for sodomy and corruption, is being held under the Internal Security Act (ISA), which does not allow him visitors, including lawyers, without police permission.

It was unclear when the court would rule on the application, said Anwar's wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail.

"When the application in support of the writ of habeas corpus will be heard, I'm unable to express," she said.

Authorities have declined to release the former finance minister and deputy prime minister, who was arrested on Sept. 20 for allegedly inciting supporters to violence and later indicted on 10 counts of sodomy and corruption.

Anwar has pleaded not guilty to the charges. His trial is set to start on Nov. 2.

Wan Azizah said that since his arrest, Anwar had not been able to meet his children, let alone his legal team, out of court.

"How are they (the lawyers) going to prepare their defense?" she said.

"We have given letters, we have faxed the letters, my children and myself, and we have got a reply saying investigations are going on, and therefore we are unable to see my husband," Wan Azizah said.

Zainur Zakaria, another lawyer for Anwar, said although the High Court had granted him and his colleagues access to their client, somehow this had not materialized.

"We're waiting for access...because the court has approved the (lawyers') right for access," Zainur said, adding that a "notice of urgency" had also been filed so that Anwar's application for release could be heard swiftly.

Meanwhile, an opposition leader urged the government on Thursday to ensure that police did not harass Anwar's lawyers.

"I call upon the Prime Minister, Datuk Seri Dr Mahathir Mohamad, in his capacity as Home Minister, to ensure the police are not overzealous in their treatment of lawyers representing Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim," said Karpal Singh, deputy chairman of the Democratic Action Party.

Singh, a noted senior lawyer, said interference in legal duties amounted to contempt of court.

Malaysia's Bar Council warned Wednesday it will take "appropriate steps" to defend legal rights after police recorded statements from lawyers for Anwar.

Malaysian Bar President Cyrus Das said the council had sent a letter of concern to the Inspector-General of Police Rahim Noor calling for a dialog over complaints of police harassment of lawyers.

The arrest and detention of Anwar is likely to be discussed when Philippine President Joseph Estrada visits Singapore this weekend, Estrada's top aide said in Manila on Thursday.

Asked if Anwar's case would be brought up during Estrada's visit, Executive Secretary Ronaldo Zamora said: "People are people. They talk about major issues. I'm sure it will be brought up.

"How can it be avoided?" he added.

Zamora did not say who Estrada would discuss the Anwar case with during the three day visit from Oct. 11 to 13.

Estrada is due to meet Singapore Prime Minister Goh Chok Tong and President Ong Teng Cheong.