Sodomy II: Don’t create trouble, IGP warns supporters of Anwar, Saiful

(Bernama) – Police will take action against anyone trying to create trouble following the decision of the Federal Court in Putrajaya on Tuesday over Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s final appeal against his conviction and jail sentence for sodomy.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar said police would not compromise with any party threatening the prevailing peace, security and order.

“We are prepared with sufficient manpower in facing any eventuality. Regardless of whether they are Anwar or Saiful’s (Mohd Saiful Bukhari Azlan) supporters, they must respect the court’s decision,” he said when contacted, here, Monday.

In this regard, Khalid urged the supporters of both sides not to create any commotion and use the freedom of expression as an excuse.

On Tuesday, Anwar whose conviction and jail sentence were upheld by the Court of Appeal, will know whether he will be freed of the sodomy charge or stay behind bars.

The outcome will be known when the Federal Court makes its eagerly awaited decision on Anwar’s last appeal against his conviction and five-year jail sentence for the offence of sodomising his former aide seven years ago.

The Court of Appeal found Anwar, 67, guilty of sodomising Mohd Saiful, 27, at  Unit 11-5-1, Desa Damansara Condominium in Jalan Setiakasih, Bukit Damansara, here, between 3.10pm and 4.30pm on June 26, 2008.

The charge under Section 377B of the Penal Code carries a jail sentence of up to 20 years and whipping, upon conviction.

All entry routes to the Palace of Justice in Putrajaya will be under tight security and its roller shutters closed at 8.30am, Tuesday.

The management of the Palace of Justice said the main road to the court will be closed from 8pm, Monday.