KUALA LUMPUR, July 26 (AFP) - Supporters of Malaysia's jailed ex-deputy premier Anwar Ibrahim will launch an Internet campaign on his behalf on Thursday, just eight days before a verdict is due in his second sex trial. "We will launch the 'Free Anwar Campaign' simultaneously in Malaysia, Australia, the United Kingdom and in the United States through the Internet," Raja Petra Kamarudin, director of the campaign secretariat, told AFP.

A website -- www.freeanwar.com -- has been created to highlight the goals of the campaign and educate people on the Anwar saga.

The website says its main aim is to explain the facts surrounding Anwar's trials, "aimed at eventually getting Anwar Ibrahim out."

Anwar was sacked by Prime Minister Mahathir Mohamad on September 2, 1998, and detained 18 days later under the Internal Security Act after organising a mass anti-government protest.

"The crime was organising a protest demonstration against oppression, corruption, croynism and nepotism so rampant in Malaysian society today," the website says.

While in police detention, it says, he was beaten "to near-death" by then-police chief Rahim Noor, who was later jailed for the assault.

In April 1999 Anwar was jailed for six years for abusing his official powers to cover up allegations of sexual misconduct.

A verdict is due August 4 in his trial for sodomy. He could face another 20 years if convicted.

The website highlights Anwar's defence -- that Mahathir orchestrated a conspiracy to frame him on sex and other charges because he was seen as a political threat.

The government denies any conspiracy and says Anwar got a fair trial. The US State Department has criticised the conduct of the first hearing.

Raja Petra said organisers expect strong public support for the struggle to free Anwar because it is non-political and non-violent.

"The appeal should get generous public support. There is no public rally to launch this campaign or political party behind the crusade," he said.

The website urges supporters to take part in a letter-writing campaign to Mahathir, Malaysia's king, their own governments and human rights organisations to appeal for Anwar's freedom.

The appeal court has rejected Anwar's bid to overturn his conviction for abuse of power. The country's highest court, the federal court, is due to hear his final appeal against that conviction.

If it fails only the king can grant a pardon -- but he must act on the advice of the prime minister.

The website says the biggest challenge which Malaysians face is the creation of a just and democratic country.

"Slander and persecution of political opponents has become the norm among those in power ...," it says, adding that the integrity of parliament, the judiciary, the civil service, the police and the media has been undermined.

The government tries to make foreign powers scapegoats for its own failure to manage the economy, it adds.

"With your support, the Free Anwar campaign will be able to realise Anwar's aspiration to mould a clean, just and democratic government."

The campaign also calls for the abolition of the Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite detention without trial, guarantees of freedom of speech and assembly and a fair distribution of national wealth.

Campaign organisers say they will work with Amnesty International to highlight the human rights situation in Malaysia and form an international network of people sympathetic to Anwar's aims