The present document of Amnesty International elaborates on the detention of former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and sixteen of his political associates under the Internal Security Act (ISA) in September 1998 in Malaysia. This report aims to set the case of Anwar Ibrahim into a longer term context. Amnesty International is concerned that throughout the trial actions were taken against Anwar Ibrahim’s defence lawyers which impinged on international fair trial standards, including the Basic Principles on the Role of Lawyers. The report also seeks to highlight the interrelationship between civil and political rights, such as freedom of expression and association, and the enjoyment of social, economic and cultural rights. The report concludes with recommendations for a wide-ranging reform of restrictive legislation currently in force in Malaysia, with a view to restoring respect for fundamental human rights and liberties enshrined in the Malaysian Constitution and in international human rights standards.