Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim has been acquitted in a surprise end to a politically-charged sodomy trial.
The popular leader has called the trial a government bid to cripple his opposition ahead of upcoming polls.
The ruling by Judge Mohamad Zabidin Diah set off celebrations in the Kuala Lumpur High Court, with Anwar mobbed by his wife, daughters and opposition politicians in joyous scenes.
“Thank God, justice has been served,” Anwar told reporters after the judge pronounced him not guilty.
“I feel vindicated, but we still have an agenda and a struggle. We now have to focus on the general elections,” he said.
In a posting on his Twitter feed shortly after the ruling, Anwar said: “In the coming election, (the) voice of the people will be heard and this corrupt government will be toppled from its pedestals of power.”
Thousands of Anwar supporters, who gathered outside under heavy security, erupted into cheers and raised their fists of support in the air as news of the verdict filtered out.
In his brief verdict announcement, Zabidin said he could not rely on controversial DNA evidence submitted by the prosecution.
“The court is always reluctant to convict on sexual offences without corroborative evidence. Therefore, the accused is
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