KUALA LUMPUR – Less than 24 hours before the #Lawan protest is set to take place at Dataran Merdeka, police have once again been urged to stop intimidating people merely exercising their constitutional rights to express and assemble peacefully.
The Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (Bersih 2.0) issued a statement demanding that police end their intimidation of the youth, in response to the arrest and detention of 20-year-old Misi Solidariti founder Sarah Irdina.
“Bersih is extremely concerned that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) government and police are resorting to failed tactics of harassing and intimidating citizens who express their disappointment in the government.
“Such intimidations have served to strengthen the resolve of not only those targeted but also fair-minded Malaysians outraged by such bullying tactics,” the Bersih committee said.
Sarah had been arrested under the Sedition Act over a tweet she posted on July 1, calling people to support the #Lawan protest.
Lawyer Goh Cia Yee confirmed on Twitter that Sarah was released this morning at the Jinjang detention centre.
#FreeSarah update: Sarah's just been released. Was present with Sarah today at the police station. Cracked some jokes to make her feel at ease but it was her first time being questioned by the police. My respect to her and her friends for the work they are doing. pic.twitter.com/fSkqSjQYe1
— Goh Cia Yee ? (@gohciayee) July 29, 2021
Sarah was called in for questioning at the Dang Wangi police headquarters along with three individuals – Tharma Pillai, Afiq Adib, and Muhammad Alshatri – for their involvement in promoting an anti-government demonstration on Saturday, July 31 at Dataran Merdeka.
The other three individuals were not detained after they had their statements taken.
In the statement, Bersih called for Malaysians to stand in solidarity and show their support for the peaceful protesters exercising their constitutional right to express and assemble peacefully.
“They are staking their claim in this country and their voices and aspirations should be heard.”
The #Lawan protest is set to take place at 11am tomorrow at Dataran Merdeka.
Bersih has reminded those who want to support the protest to be properly masked, observe social distancing, and follow the instructions of the organiser.
“If you are unable to participate in person in KL, you may show your solidarity by wearing black or putting up a black flag on Saturday,” they said.
Meanwhile in Pahang, a man who put up anti-PN banners in Kuantan two weeks ago has been called up by police to give his statement.
— HermyR (@HermyRahim) July 29, 2021
Twitter user @HermyRahim who posted pictures of the banners on July 14 tweeted yesterday that he has been summoned to Melaka to have his statement recorded. – The Vibes, July 30, 2021
