SODOMY II: Local, global media cast spotlight on Anwar Ibrahim's verdict

Former Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has made the headlines, yet again. The highly-profile Sodomy II saga involving his former personal aide, Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan reached its climax after his five-years' jail sentence was upheld by the Federal Court, Tuesday drawing media attention from around the globe.

Among the highlight is Bahasa Malaysia daily, Berita Harian’s cover story boasting the headline: ‘Kes Liwat Saiful, 20 Sebab Anwar Bersalah’ (Saiful’s Sodomy Case, 20 Reasons Why Anwar is Guilty) highlighting a series of crucial reasons linked to the case.

[CHRONOLOGY]: SODOMY II: HOW THE CASE UNFOLDED

‘Saiful Mahu Lupakan Kisah Hitam’ also casts spotlight in Mohd Saiful’s reaction.

Meanwhile ‘Anwar ke Penjara’ was the headline for Bahasa Malaysia’s daily, Utusan Malaysia, highlighting the five-man jury's decision as well as the government's call for the public to respect the court's decision.

Sinar Harian highlighted, ‘Berakhir’ as its headline accompanied by Saiful’s reaction in an article titled, Berkat Doa, istiqamah’.

Kosmo!, on the other hand, ‘Kesalahan, Hukuman Anwar Terkunci Mati’ as its Page One headline.



Major English dailies are not left behind with their head-turning headlines.

“5 Years ” was the highlight for The New Straits Times and taking centrestage was a monochrome image of the 67-year-old politician.

The Star highlighted if “Is this the end?” which cast a spotlight on a question if the end is near for Anwar's political career.


SEE PHOTO ALBUM SODOMY II : ANWAR SENTENCED TO FIVE YEARS

One of the articles featured in Indonesia's Kompas highlighted "Kasasi Ditolak, Anwar Ibrahim Akan Kembali Dipenjarakan" (Appeal Rejected, Anwar Ibrahim Back to Prison)

Far down south in the neighbouring Republic of Singapore, The Straits Times highlighted "Malaysian Opposition leader Anwar found guilty in Sodomy II case; 5-year jail term upheld" in their news yesterday.

The article also featured one special photo album of Anwar at the Palace of Justice, Putrajaya.

In the US, The Washington Post published an article of "US 'deeply disappointed’ by Anwar ruling in Malaysian."

The New York Times also reported this case in "Malaysian Court Upholds Opposition Leader’s Sodomy Conviction."

Opposition leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim has been sentenced to five years' jail for sodomising his former aide Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan, seven years ago.

The Federal Court which upheld the Court of Appeal's sentence, had earlier convicted Anwar for sodomising Mohd Saiful.

Now, the only chance for him to be a free man is to be granted a pardon by the Yang di-Pertuan Agong said law expert.

[INFOGRAPHICS of Sodomy II]