Anwar’s jail conditions ‘endangering’ his health
“The government is fully responsible for prisoner of conscience Anwar Ibrahim’s safety and health while he remains in custody.”
(Free Malaysia Today) – Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, in his seventh day of confinement at the Sungai Buloh prison, is being kept in a bare cell with a 2-inch foam mattress placed on the floor, a bucket for bathing and a squat toilet.
This situation poses an extremely serious threat to the 68-year-old Anwar’s health and well-being, according to his lawyers N. Surendran, Latheefa Koya and Sivarasa Rasiah.
They pointed out that Anwar, whom they described as a prisoner of conscience, suffers from a long-term back and spine condition. “The conditions he is being held in are aggravating his spine and back condition and may pose a grave threat to his health,” said the trio who are also Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leaders.
“At the very minimum, in line with his medical condition, he must be given a bed and a medically appropriate mattress, a chair and table, a shower and appropriate toilet.”
Anwar, they stressed, cannot bend over or stand up from sitting on the floor without pain and aggravation of his condition.
“The Home Minister and prison authorities are fully aware of the Opposition Leader’s health condition and requirements,” they said. “Copies of Anwar’s medical reports have been given to the Home Ministry and the prison authorities.”
