The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release: 50 Demonstrators Detained in Malaysia In letters sent today to the Malaysian Home Minister and Chair of the Human Rights Commission, ARTICLE 19 demanded action to secure the release of over 50 people currently detained in connection with a peaceful protest on Saturday 15 April. The event […]
The following is an ARTICLE 19 press release:
50 Demonstrators Detained in Malaysia
In letters sent today to the Malaysian Home Minister and Chair of the Human Rights Commission, ARTICLE 19 demanded action to secure the release of over 50 people currently detained in connection with a peaceful protest on Saturday 15 April. The event was in support of former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim and even before it had taken place, three people were detained and police were seeking five others. Those detained include members of the political opposition.
ARTICLE 19 has also petitioned the new Commonwealth Secretary General, pointing out that the actions by the authorities are in direct contravention of the Harare Principles and asking him take the matter up with the Malaysian government.
Andrew Puddephatt, Executive Director of ARTICLE 19 said:
“We are seriously concerned for the safety of those detained, given the reports of assaults by police on demonstrators and detainees. It is also urgent that the authorities allow those in custody access to their lawyers, families and medical treatment.”
ARTICLE 19 is calling for an independent inquiry into the conduct of public officials in connection with the demonstration, as well as root-and-branch reform of the law in Malaysia, which currently falls well short of meeting international standards on human rights, including the right to freedom of expression and freedom of assembly.
Actions by the authorities around last Saturday’s demonstration are the latest in a series which constitute a serious threat to freedom of expression in Malaysia. Others include charges of sedition brought against a number of individuals who have publicly expressed opinions critical of the government, or have lent support to the political opposition, and an increase in official harassment of the non-governmental media. ARTICLE 19 wrote to Prime Minister Dr. Mahatir Mohamad about these matters in January, but have yet to receive a reply.
