Malaysia's High Court acquitted opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim of sodomising a former aide, citing unreliable DNA evidence in a verdict Monday that surprised supporters who saw the case as an attempt to sideline him.
Anwar said the verdict left him free to focus on trying to topple Prime Minister Najib Razak's long-ruling coalition in national elections that many predict will be held within months.
The opposition has long maintained that the government concocted the charge to damage Anwar's chances of leading his three-party alliance to an election victory. Najib denies plotting against Anwar.
Al Jazeera's Harry Fawcett spoke to Anwar after the verdict.
