Office of Anwar's lawyer burgled, safe forced open

Office of Anwar's lawyer burgled, safe forced open

KUALA LUMPUR (AFP): One of the lawyers defending Malaysia's ousted deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim said on Thursday his office had been broken into overnight with a safe containing confidential trial documents forced open.

"The safe was wrenched open. I do not know what is missing until I go through the documents," Pawanceek Marican told AFP. "I am shocked... how they forced open this big iron safe. I am going to make a police report."

Police confirmed they were investigating the incident and Pawancheek said he has been asked to make reports on the burglary and missing documents.

"The police are here and dusting for fingerprints," the lawyer said. "They seem quite concerned."

Pawancheek said he discovered the break-in when he arrived at the office, which is located on the second floor of a three- story building on the eastern outskirts of Kuala Lumpur.

"They entered through the front wooden door and a metal grill," he said. "I have not checked as to what is missing.

Documents related to Anwar's trial were in the safe. I do not know if they are missing... I am waiting for the police."

Pawancheek is one of eight lawyers defending Anwar on charges of corruption and also acts as spokesman for the former deputy prime minister, who was dismissed on Sept. 2 and arrested two and a half weeks later after leading a massive protest calling for Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad to step down.

Anwar's trial, which started on Nov. 2, went into recess this week during the annual summit of APEC leaders and is scheduled to resume next week.