Anwar's sodomy trial resumes

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 10 (UPI) -- Lawyers for Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, accused of sodomy, cross-examined his accuser Monday as the trial resumed.

The trial had been delayed as the accused sought to get the charge against him dropped, claiming it was fabricated by Malaysia's ruling coalition, the BBC reported.

The accuser is a former aide who says Anwar had illegal sex with him in 2008.

The defense asked for a list of government witnesses who would be asked to testify, but the judge refused, citing an earlier federal court decision. The defense has claimed the ruling is an example of judicial bias.

Anwar's accuser said he had met Prime Minister Najib Razak prior to making his allegations but said it was only to discuss his "dilemma," the report said. Najib had earlier said he met Anwar's accuser, Saiful Bukhari Azlan, but denied any involvement in the case. The defense has said the meeting is also proof of the government conspiracy against Anwar.

Anwar faces up to 20 years in prison, if convicted on the sodomy charge.

Anwar was arrested last July four months after his opposition coalition parties made major gains in parliamentary elections. The U.S. State Department has expressed concerns over his arrest.