Stop Arrests Under Sosma

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Graphic: freemalaysiatoday.comAliran is deeply dismayed that once again, the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), which allows for detention without trial, has been used.

This time against seven people, including Malacca state executive council member G Saminathan, who is also the Gadek assembly member, and Seremban Jaya assembly member P Gunasekaran, both from the DAP, over their alleged links to the now defunct Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE)
The police have claimed that the Sri Lankan rebel group was planning an attack on the Sri Lankan High Commission in Malaysia and seem confident that they are justified in the actions, going by media reports
The allegations are shocking and at the same time incomprehensible on a number of levels.

The fight against terrorism and extremism within the context of ensuring national security must be balanced with ensuring constitutional rights and civil liberties. At all times, the principles of natural justice must apply, and human rights must be respected
The challenge for the Pakatan Harapan government is to get the balance right and to work with the police to ensure the balance is maintained.

The use of Sosma just does not allow for this balance. Hundreds of people have been arrested since Sosma first came into force in 2012
The change in government in 2018 brought a promise that oppressive and draconian laws such as Sosma would be done away with. And yet, we continue to see the use of Sosma against people.

Aliran calls for those detained under Sosma to be released immediately. If there is evidence of wrongdoing, then charge the suspects accordingly under other laws.

Aliran also calls for the repeal of all laws that allow detention without a trial. All suspects must be brought before a magistrate within 24 hours and even for extension of remand
Until guilt is proven in a fair trial in open court, the presumption of innocence must be upheld.

Aliran executive committee
12 October 2019-ALIRAN

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