Fed: Downer saddened to hear of Anwar conviction =2

AAP General News (Australia)
08-08-2000
Fed: Downer saddened to hear of Anwar conviction =2

Later, Mr Downer said he hoped due legal process would help clear Anwar.

"I understand that Anwar's defence team intends to lodge an appeal against this verdict,
as it did against Anwar's conviction last year on charges of abuse of power," he said.

"It would be inappropriate for me to comment on the handling of the trial when the
judicial process is yet to be completed.

"(But) the Australian government continues to hope that the appeal process will reflect
the principles of natural justice, due process and the rule of law and address concerns
about the fairness of the trial."

AAP sw/jnb

KEYWORD: MALAYSIA ANWAR DOWNER 2 CANBERRA (REOPENS)

2000 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.