Bersih decries alleged assault on detained Tawau activist

 

The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) has condemned an alleged assault on one of the seven activists detained for protesting the extension of the enhanced movement control order (MCO) in Kampung Muhibbahraya, Tawau, Sabah yesterday.

"Bersih condemns the police who allegedly assaulted one of the activists namely Mukmin Nantang, who said that he had been beaten on the shoulder and chest.

"The act of beating a detainee is an abuse of police power and a violation of human rights. What's more, the activists who were arrested did not fight and abuse the police," claimed the Bersih 2.0 steering committee in a statement.

It called for the immediate release of the seven activists.

Malaysiakini has reached out to Tawau district police chief Peter Umbuas for a response to the allegations.

He confirmed yesterday that the men had been arrested after they violated MCO standard operating procedures (SOP) by holding a gathering.

Malaysiakini has learnt that the seven men are likely to face charges under three acts - namely, Section 9 (5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act, Act 188 of the Penal Code regarding the obstruction of civil servants and Section 25 of the Emergency Act which allows for a compound fine of RM10,000.

On Friday, the government announced the extension of Kampung Muhibbah Raya's enhanced MCO for another 14 days, from April 25 until May 8.

The activists held a protest at 3pm yesterday saying that most of the villagers depend on daily wages, and with the enhanced MCO they cannot fend for themselves, particularly without proper assistance from the government.

Bersih said it was alarmed by the detention, as well as that of political satirist Fahmi Reza on Friday. Fahmi has since been released.

"The arrests of activists for two days in a row show that the government does not respect Article 10 of the Federal Constitution which protects freedom of speech by the people.

"The grassroots are only raising their voices to express their difficulties and challenges of daily life. Protests from the people on the streets show that the situation is getting desperate and the government needs to listen to their voices," it said.

Bersih said the arrest of people who protest against and criticise government policies is outrageous and does not reflect a government that cares about the voice of the people as the backbone of the country's democracy.

"What's more, with the suspension of Parliament, the space to speak in the country is increasingly being curtailed by the government and this is indeed endangering the democracy of our country.

"Bersih once again calls on all Malaysians to continue to defend freedom of speech, expression and freedom of assembly as the backbone of our country's democracy," it said, urging the police to drop investigations into those who were merely speaking up. - Mkini

✍ Credit given to the original owner of this post : ☕ Malaysians Must Know the TRUTH

🌐 Hit This Link To Find Out More On Their Articles...🏄🏻‍♀️ Enjoy Surfing!