KUALA LUMPUR – The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has expressed concern over the arrests of organisers and activists behind recently planned peaceful demonstrations.
In a statement, it called on the authorities, particularly police, to uphold their obligation both legally and morally to facilitate peaceful assemblies and protect freedom of expression.
“With the spike of Covid-19 cases in the country, especially in the Klang Valley, Suhakam recognises the difficulties faced in efforts to juggle and balance between public health priorities and the people's rights to gather peacefully.
“We wish to remind the government of its commitments following the 3rd Universal Periodic Review cycle in 2018, whereby the government accepted all recommendations to revise the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 in order to eliminate discrimination and hindrance to the peaceful assembly,” it said in the statement yesterday evening.
On Thursday, Misi Solidariti founder Sarah Irdina was arrested by police over a tweet calling people to support the #Lawan protest that is set to take place today at Dataran Merdeka.
Lawyer Goh Cia Yee confirmed that the 20-year-old was released this morning at the Jinjang detention centre.
She was called in for questioning along with three individuals – Tharma Pillai, Afiq Adib, and Muhammad Alshatri – for their involvement in promoting the protest.
Earlier on Monday, at least 23 members of Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat were summoned by police to give their statements over their participation in a convoy as part of the #Lawan demonstration.
Police have warned organisers of the protest planned to be held later this morning at Dataran Merdeka here, saying that action will be taken against anyone violating standard operating procedures (SOPs) in the city.
Suhakam has also called for the organisers to be responsible in their efforts and planning.
“We call for the organisers and all individuals participating in the peaceful assembly to observe and strictly comply with the SOPs at all times.
“Those with Covid-19 symptoms and comorbidities should restrain themselves from participating in the peaceful assembly.”
The human rights commission has also urged authorities to facilitate peaceful assemblies by providing adequate space at appropriate locations for them to take place.
“This will enable physical distancing and health screening of the participants to be conducted safely.
“Suhakam hopes that all parties including police and the organisers are able to collaborate in order to achieve a win-win solution, in line with respecting the rights for peaceful assembly while managing current public health SOPs and the Covid-19 pandemic,” it said. – The Vibes, July 31, 2021
