'Free Anwar' internet campaign

Supporters are being urged to write letters to free Anwar

An internet campaign is being launched to free Malaysia's jailed former deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim, just days before the verdict in his sodomy trial.

"We will launch the 'Free Anwar Campaign' simultaneously in Malaysia, Australia, the United Kingdom and in the United States through the internet," Raja Petra Kamarudin, director of the campaign said.

The website - www.freeanwar.com - urges supporters to write letters to Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad, the Malaysian king, their own governments and human rights organisations to appeal for Mr Anwar's release.

Mr Anwar is accused of having sex with his former family driver, Azizan Abu Bakar, at a Kuala Lumpur apartment between January and March 1993.

He is already serving a six-year sentence for corruption.

But his supporters say the charges are an orchestrated conspiracy against Mr Anwar because he is a political threat to the prime minister.

The Malaysian Government has denied the allegation and says Mr Anwar has received a fair trail.

Verdict due

The free Anwar campaign says Mr Anwar's "crime was organising a protest demonstration against oppression, corruption, cronyism and nepotism so rampant in Malaysian society today".

Mr Raja Petra says the appeal is non-violent and apolitical, and deserves public support.

Mr Anwar could be jailed for 20 years if convicted.

He was sacked by Mr Mahathir two years ago and detained for 18 days under the Internal Security Act after organising a mass anti-government protest.

A verdict is due on 4 August in his trial for sodomy. He could face another 20 years if convicted.