BEGIN VIDEOTAPE, APRIL 14, 1999) UNIDENTIFIED MALE: The sentence is six years imprisonment, effective from today, running concurrently on all four charges.</s>LISA BARRON, CNN CORRESPONDENT (voice-over): The shock was felt throughout the crowd outside the federal courthouse in Kuala Lumpur when Justice Augustine Paul's verdict in Malaysia's longest running trial was announced. Former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim arrived early Wednesday. He and his lawyers expected the conviction, but not the length of the sentence. Anwar's lawyers immediately filed an appeal. He has maintained he is the victim of a political conspiracy from the start. While he was charged with abuse of power for covering up acts of sodomy, those acts themselves have not been proven.</s>UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTERS: We want justice. We want justice.</s>BARRON: During the proceedings, several hundred of Anwar's supporters gathered on the streets around the courthouse shouting for reform and Anwar's release.</s>UNIDENTIFIED PROTESTER: I, and the people of Malaysia, and all his majority believe that Anwar is not guilty.</s>BARRON: Protesters clashed briefly with police when they tried to break through the barrier to the courthouse while groups in another area were met by water cannon. (on camera): Anwar, himself, told the court that he had been dealt a judgment that, quote, "stinks to high heaven." "I called it an absolute disgrace." In a statement issued afterwards he said, he never expected to have a fair trial. Lisa Barron, CNN, Kuala Lumpur.
CNN 20: Anwar Ibrahim Sentenced, April 14, 1999