Malaysian sodomy trial halted

AP

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim waves to his supporters as he leaves Desa Damansara Condominium, where he alleged sodomised a former aide, in Kuala Lumpur.

Relevant offers

Asia

Bali bombing accused on trial Saudi journalist deported from Malaysia Kiwi firm helps make Laos a safer place Rock star welcome for Suu Kyi Two Tibetans killed by Chinese security - report New Zealanders caught in Maldives coup Truck bomb kills one, wounds 13 Whopper whale shark washes up Millions pushed into child labour in Pakistan Five workers missing in flooded refinery tunnel

Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim's sodomy trial has been temporarily halted after he called for the judge to be removed.

Anwar says he faces a ''real danger of bias'' following several technical rulings made by High Court Judge Mohamad Zabidin Diah in the trial last week.

The judge will hear the application by Anwar's lawyers and decide whether to step down from the case Tuesday.

Anwar is accused of sodomising 24-year-old Saiful Bukhari Azlan, a male former aide, on June 26, 2008, at a private condominium.

Anwar claims the charge is part of a government plot to undermine his opposition alliance, but government authorities have denied any conspiracy.

- AP