BBC Correspondent Matt Frei: This information could be political dynamite

His court appearance in Kuala Lumpur on Tuesday was the first time he has been seen since his arrest on 20 September.

Mr Anwar at the time of his arrest

Mr Anwar described how the policemen who had arrested him blindfolded him, beat him with their fists, and then denied him any medical attention for five days.

Lawyers and reporters who were allowed to see Mr Anwar in the courtroom said they saw bruises on his face, neck and arm.

The court granted Mr Anwar's request to see a family doctor.

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The BBC correspondent in Kuala Lumpur, Matt Frei, says that if that account of Mr Anwar's detention is allowed to be reported in the local media, it could inflame an already volatile political situation.

Prosecutors indicted Mr Anwar, 51, on five counts of corruption and four counts of committing illegal sex acts.

In court to hear the charges were two of his six children, his wife and his father.

Hundreds of riot police surrounded the court near Merdeka square, which has been the focus of anti-government protests in recent days.

Police sealed off a street leading to the courthouse as Mr Anwar was driven to the building in a convoy of five vans.

Arrest after protests

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Mr Anwar was arrested under Malaysia's internal security laws after leading nationwide rallies to demand political reform and the resignation of the Prime Minister, Mahathir Mohamad.

Dr Mahathir had previously accused Mr Anwar of performing illegal sexual acts and of trying to overthrow the government.

Two men have already been convicted of engaging in homosexual acts with Mr Anwar and were sentenced to six months in prison.

Mr Anwar has denied the allegations, saying they are politically motivated.

Mr Anwar's wife was in court

His wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, and two of their six children appeared at the courthouse soon after Mr Anwar arrived.

Mr Anwar was sacked by the prime minister on 2 September. Since then he has led a campaign against his former boss, who has ruled Malaysia for 17 years.

About 80 of Mr Anwar's supporters were arrested on Monday night in the latest in a series of running battles with police.