KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, May 16 (UPI) -- Malaysia's High Court Monday ordered opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim to prepare his defense against sex charges, ruling his accuser credible.
Justice Mohamad Zabidin said the prosecution had proven a prima facie case of sodomy against Anwar and told the defense to state its side in June, the government news agency Bernama reported. Anwar is expected to be the first witness.
The judge said accuser Mohd Saiful's account was backed by medical reports.
Zabidin noted that Saiful was subjected to a lengthy, and in his view abusive, cross-examination by the defense.
Anwar, now 63, pleaded not guilty Aug. 7, 2008, to the charge of carnal intercourse against the order of nature for an alleged incident at a condominium the previous June 26. Conviction could bring as long as 20 years in prison and whipping.
The defense argued that Saiful's failure to file a police report put his credibility in doubt, but the judge noted he was only 22 and under Anwar's power.
