| Use of ISA condemned! |
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| Wednesday, 12 December 2007 | |
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The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and the Writers Alliance for Media Independence (WAMI) are deeply disturbed that the government has resorted to the draconian Internal Security Act (ISA) to arrest five leaders of Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force). The use of the ISA comes after three Hindraf leaders have been arrested and charged for sedition. The arrest indicates that the government of Abdullah Ahmad Badawi has lost all respect for the mandate that the people gave to him based on his promises for reform and greater accountability.
Malaysiakini.com reported on 13 December that the Inspector General Police, Musa Hassan confirmed the arrest of the five in the afternoon. Musa Hassan reportedly said that the five would be detained for two years. The five are: P. Uthayakumar, M. Manoharan, R. Kenghadharan, V. Ganabatirau and T. Vasanthakumar.
CIJ and WAMI are extremely concerned that the arrest is a blunt instrument against dissidents. Such strong action against Hindraf, which has been criticizing the government over what they feel as continued marginalization of the Indian community, further fueled the people's distress especially the Indians that the government was unprepared to address their concern.
CIJ and WAMI are concerned that such blatant crackdown will lead to instability which the government says it is trying to prevent. The use of ISA spreads terror and unrest among citizens and seriously mars the standing of the country internationally.
Detention without trial as allowed under the ISA is an unjust measure and against the UN Declaration of Human Rights (Articles 10 and 11). It is against the principles of fundamental liberty which inspired the Federal Constitution.
The unlawful nature of ISA detention has been recently upheld by the court in its ruling on 18 October by Justice Mohd Hishamudin Mohd Yunus in the detention of Abdul Malek Hussin.
We urge the government to release immediately the five, or give them the recourse of court trial.
Issued by
Gayathry Venkiteswaran
For more information, please contact Wai Fong at 03 40230772 |
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