The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) condemns the police
harassment and arrests of 16 Burmese refugees at a gathering to mark
the 64th birthday of Burmese political icon, Aung San Suu Kyi. The
arrests of these refugees who gathered to show global solidarity for
Suu Kyi and her unjust imprisonment, again reveals the lack of respect
for citizens and non-citizens to universal freedoms of expression and
assembly.
On 19 June, a gathering to commemorate the occasion organized by the
Petaling Jaya Municipal Council and the federal opposition pact Pakatan
Rakyat, was disrupted when police arrested 16 Burmese participants at
the scene.
According to the People's Justice Party (PKR) Information Chief,
Latheefah Koya, police started arresting the Burmese, who were invited
by the organizers to the event before it officially started. To prevent
attendance, Latheefah said the police set up roadblocks around the
venue, at an open area of a shopping mall. PKR is one of the partners
in the opposition pact.
When contacted by CIJ, a police spokesperson confirmed the setting up
of roadblocks because the assembly was deemed illegal without a permit
and that the Burmese were arrested for “not having a passport”.
However, Latheefah, who is also a lawyer, said the need for a permit
did not arise as the event was organized by the Municipal Council.
Moreover, she said the police proceeded with the arrests without the
standard procedure for illegal assembly by giving warnings for
dispersal.
According to human rights group Suaram, two of the Burmese refugees
were released on the same night while the rest are still being detained
without access to legal assistance, although some of them have a
document issued by the United Nations Commissioner for Refugees. That
Suu Kyi's fellow Burmese were arrested for celebrating her birthday is
a disgrace on the part of the Malaysian authorities.
The police force has shown itself to be partisan against the opposition
political parties and critics, among others in the way it reacted
against the public assemblies on the Perak state political crisis in
the last three months.
CIJ is concerned that violations against fundamental human rights will
be a permanent feature of police action against individuals, groups and
political parties and we call for the police to cease such undemocratic
tactics immediately. CIJ also urges the police to immediately release
those detained.
The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a non-profit
organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and
free where all people will enjoy free media and the freedom to express,
seek, and impart information.
Issued by
Gayathry Venkiteswaran
Executive Director
For more information please contact Wai Fong at 03 4023 0772
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