Malaysian court clears Anwar of sodomy charges

A Malaysian court acquitted opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim of sodomy charges on Monday, a surprise ruling that could accelerate the political comeback of one of Asia's most celebrated reformers ahead of an expected election this year.

Judge Zabidin Mohamad Diah found Anwar not guilty due to doubts over whether DNA samples tendered as evidence were contaminated, setting off celebrations by thousands of opposition supporters outside the High Court in Kuala Lumpur.

"And because it was a sexual offence, the court is reluctant to convict on uncorroborated evidence. Therefore the accused is acquitted and discharged," Zabidin told a packed courtroom in the Malaysian capital.

Sex between males is a criminal offence in this mainly Muslim country of 28 million people and it was the second time Anwar was charged under the law.

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