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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James P. Rubin, Spokesman
April 14, 1999

Malaysia: Guilty Verdict in Trial of Former
Deputy Prime Minister

We note with great concern the conviction today of Malaysia’s former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim on four counts of corruption. Having followed closely his arrest, detention, and trial, we have serious questions about whether he has been treated fairly by the Malaysian judicial system. We hope that the many serious questions that have been raised about the basic fairness of the judicial proceedings will be satisfactorily resolved on appeal.

We are particularly concerned that Anwar continues to be held without bail. We hope he will be released on bail during the appeal process so he can rejoin his family and friends.

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