Why Nab Protester If Govt Respects Freedom Of Assembly Ngo Asks

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The government cannot claim it respects freedom of assembly when protesters get hauled up by the authorities after a rally, said Amnesty International Malaysia.
This comes after police arrested Bersatu leader Badrul Hisham Shaharin, popularly known as Chegubard, yesterday, allegedly over Saturday’s “Turun Anwar” rally in Kuala Lumpur.
“You cannot claim to support freedom of expression while arresting peaceful protesters under colonial-era laws like the Sedition Act.
“This exposes a chilling reality that even if a protest is carried out peacefully, the state will continue to use outdated laws to discourage dissent and intimidate protesters,” said the group’s freedom of expression campaigner Kiran Kaur in a statement today.
Yesterday, Badrul’s lawyer, Rafique Rashid Ali, confirmed his client was picked up at his house at about 2.30pm.
Rafique condemned the arrest, claiming that it was unnecessary as Badrul had already set an appointment to meet the police investigator in charge of his case at Bukit Aman today.
The ‘Turun Anwar’ rally in Dataran Merdeka on July 26“Yesterday, we received confirmation that a police report had been lodged against Badrul in relation to ‘Himpunan Turun Anwar’ on Saturday.
“The investigation paper was opened over alleged offences under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act (insulting behaviour), Section 504 of the Penal Code (intentional insult with intent to provoke a breach of peace), Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act (CMA), and Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act.
“The arrest in this case was uncalled for as Badrul had given his assurance that he would be present at Bukit Aman,” the lawyer added.
Criticism not hostility
On that note, Kiran reminded the authorities that Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed his commitment to freedom of speech, stating that criticism and differences in opinion should not be seen as hostility but part of a mature and progressing nation.
While lauding the police for facilitating the rally, she said the progress made is rendered hollow once they began arresting protesters days later.
ADS“Such contradictions not only erode public trust but also flout Malaysia’s constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of expression,” Kiran added.
The NGO leader then urged the government to commit to a comprehensive overhaul of all laws which criminalise peaceful expression and ensure that enforcement agencies uphold the people’s rights.
“Reform must go beyond tweaks in the law - it must be felt on the ground.
Participants at the ‘Turun Anwar’ rally in Kuala Lumpur on July 26“People must be assured that they are safe and protected when they use their voices in peaceful protest.
“If not, we encourage a state of fear rather than freedom,” said Kiran.
Yesterday, Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail said his team is investigating an incident during the “Turun Anwar” rally, where several individuals were seen caning an effigy resembling Anwar.
Khalid said two men, aged 21 and 47, were arrested in connection with the incident.
While Khalid did not mention the identity of the persons, Rafique confirmed that Badrul was arrested in connection with the incident. - Mkini

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