DESPITE warnings by the police to participants of 'Piket Demi Palestin' (Picket for Palestine) not to set up any structures or tents near the United States (US) Embassy on Jalan Tun Razak in Kuala Lumpur, tents have since been erected in the area.
Muda secretary-general Amir Hariri Abd Hadi, who is part of the Solidariti Palestin secretariat, said they will do their best to remain at the location for six days.
He said they were willing to risk police action and vowed that they would remain peaceful throughout the programme.
"If the police decide to take action, it is up to them," he said.
About 100 people marched from Menara TH Tun Razak to the US Embassy as part of the protest last night.
More than 60 civil society groups and wings of political parties from across the divide are backing the picket.
Spokesman for the secretariat and longtime activist Chua Tian Chang @ Tian Chua was also present.
Planned until New Year's Eve, the event is demanding four things: The end to the arbitrary killings of Palestinians; an immediate, permanent and unconditional truce; addressing the immediate needs of civilians in Gaza for both aid and protection; and the recognition of the right of the Palestinian people to a sovereign state.
Kuala Lumpur Police chief Datuk Allaudeen Abdul Majid had earlier said that the picket was subject to the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 and it was the responsibility of the police to ensure the safety of the gathering.
"If there are participants who set up tents, we will see what action is to be taken," he said, confirming that the participants of the gathering would not be ordered to disperse if they followed the guidelines set by the authorities.
According to reports in Bernama, Allaudeen said the police sympathised and supported the Palestinian cause, but they were responsible for ensuring public order and the safety of foreign representatives in the country.
"If we see, there is the US embassy, the Singapore High Commission, the Japanese embassy and also some other foreign missions nearby, and it is the responsibility of the police (to ensure safety and security)," he said. - The Vibes, December 27, 2023
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