Arutchelvan S Arrest Unlawful An Attempt To Silence Rakyat Bersih

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Bersih has joined the chorus of voices criticising the arrest of PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan, claiming that his detention was unlawful and a clear intimidation of his work for marginalised groups.
The democracy watchdog argued that the order for Arutchelvan’s detention was “nothing but proof of the police’s abuse of power”, highlighting that he fully cooperated with the authorities before his arrest yesterday.
It also called on the police to avoid detaining activists who peacefully advocate for public issues, stressing that Arutchelvan’s arrest must be seen as an attempt to intimidate civil society movements and weaken the voice of the people.
“We urge the police to immediately put an end to the practice of intimidating activists and defenders of the people’s rights,” said Bersih’s steering committee in a statement today.
Arutchelvan (above) was held by the police for about six hours last night, before being released on bail, over an incident outside Parliament on Aug 13.
On that day, PSM and other activists were barred from marching to Parliament’s main gate. They aimed to submit a memorandum urging the government to enact a law requiring plantation companies to build housing for their workers.
A scuffle ensued in which Arutchelvan was seen falling to the ground. The police said an officer was also injured.
The march to Parliament on Aug 13The police issued a warrant of arrest against Arutchelvan under Penal Code legislation, namely Section 353 for causing harm or intimidation to a public servant on duty and Section 427 on causing mischief resulting in losses worth RM25 or more.
Arutchelvan was later seen entering the Dang Wangi district police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, accompanied by his lawyers KS Bawani and Shashi Devan, at around 6pm yesterday.
‘Show proof cop injured’
Meanwhile, in a separate statement, former DAP lawmaker Kasthuri Patto asserted that it was “preposterous and ridiculous” for the police to arrest Arutchelvan, stressing that people have a right to submit memorandums to Parliament.
“A police officer was injured due to the scuffle, police say. Where was the scuffle? Who caused it? Were the police officers using bodycams?
Former Batu Kawan MP Kasthuri Patto“If yes, where is the video to show that (Arutchelvan) or the people present there caused it? If not, then where is the evidence that showed a police officer being injured as a result of the scuffle?” she questioned in a Facebook post today.
The secretary for DAP’s international affairs department emphasised that there was no need for a heavy police presence during the memorandum handover.
She also called on Parliament officials to provide a “dignified and safe” area for parties who wish to submit memorandums to lawmakers, noting that such a step would ensure that the Dewan Rakyat can serve its purpose as an avenue for the people’s voices to be heard.
Earlier today, Lawyers for Liberty co-founder Latheefa Koya alleged that the silence of Pakatan Harapan leaders on Arutchelvan’s arrest shows the coalition has become “traitors” to everything good and the ideals they once claimed to champion. - Mkini

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