500 gather to protest 100-day Sosma detention of LTTE-linked suspects

Some 500 people gathered last night in Kuala Lumpur despite heavy rain to stand in solidarity with 12 suspects detained without trial under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 for alleged links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a now-defunct Sri Lankan rebel group.

The gathering, organised by human rights group Suaram, was in conjunction with the 100th day of detention of the 12 which includes Gadek assemblyperson G Saminathan and Seremban Jaya assemblyperson P Gunasekaran.

Assembling in front of the Sogo shopping centre, the supporters called for the repeal of Sosma and the release of the 12 individuals.

"Our gathering is to object in the strongest sense to the draconian act used on those accused of having links to a terror organisation which has not been functioning for almost 10 years.

"It is also to show our solidarity with all Sosma detainees who are still in prison even though their guilt has not been proven and the cases are still ongoing in court," said Suaram executive director D Sevan.

He claims the detention of the 12 was politically motivated.

Sevan said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and the cabinet should fulfil Pakatan Harapan's manifesto to repeal provisions like Sosma that were draconian in nature.

"However, they have allowed the wanton use of Sosma," he said.

Earlier, the participants held a candlelight vigil and chanted "Abolish Sosma, release the detainees" (Mansuhkan Sosma, bebaskan tahanan).

The families of the detainees also participated in the gathering where they released 12 pigeons, each representing a detainee.

Among the political leaders present were Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Tapah MP M Saravanan, Batu MP P Prabakaran and former Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan.

Others included assemblypersons Saari Sungib (Hulu Kelang), G Gunaraj (Sentosa), D Kamatchi (Sabai) and R Rajiv (Bukit Gasing).

Ambiga said she was surprised that it has been 100 days since they were detained.

"I met them last year and they asked me why this could happen under Pakatan Harapan. I couldn't answer them," he said.

MIC deputy president M Saravanan said his party decided to participate in the rally to protest the Sosma detentions. - Mkini

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