KUALA LUMPUR – Four activists were hauled in today by police for investigations into the candlelight vigil held last weekend over the death of 22-year-old Iranian Mahsa Amini, which has spurred extensive protests in the republic.
Among those summoned today were human rights group Suaram representatives Wong Yan Ke and Liau Pin Chun, and Iranian national Davood Afkhami Zabol, as well as lawyer Siti Kasim.
Speaking to The Vibes, Wong, who is also Suaram coordinator, stressed that the probes by the authorities are unnecessary and “a waste of public resources” against people who are simply exercising their right to assemble freely.
“The candlelight vigil ended within one hour and the crowd dispersed peacefully afterwards without disturbing traffic flow,” he said.
“Instead of protecting our constitutional rights, it is regretful that police have consistently chosen to investigate activists and even regular citizens.”
Adding that the group is being investigated under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 for failing to notify police of the gathering, he said that the time spent questioning them could have instead been allocated to more productive matters.
The candlelight vigil organised by Suaram on September 25 saw over 100 Iranians and local human rights activists gathering to protest peacefully in front of the Iranian embassy.
The crowd was closely monitored by about 30 police officers while attendees held up placards and candles expressing solidarity for Mahsa as well as for women’s rights in general.
Mahsa fell into a coma and died after she was arrested by Iran’s morality police which enforces the Islamic republic’s dress code for women, which includes compulsory wearing of the headscarf in public.
Putrajaya told to voice out on Iranian’s death
Meanwhile, Wong also urged Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob to issue a clear stand on Mahsa’s death, lamenting how the leader had kept mum on the issue during his New York trip to deliver Malaysia’s National Statement 77th Session of the United Nations General Assembly.
“The silence from (Ismail Sabri) and Putrajaya is disturbing,” he said.
“Our government must come forward and state its rejection of all kinds of moral policing, especially since we are members of the UN Human Rights Council.”
Meanwhile, Siti Kasim expressed similar sentiments when contacted by The Vibes today, stating that police should focus their efforts on investigating actual crimes instead of a peaceful gathering.
“I attended the candlelight vigil to show my moral support with what is happening in Iran since the matter is very close to home,” she said, warning that Malaysia might possibly see similar deaths “if we are not careful”.
Three other activists and politicians who were called in but were unable to attend today’s session include Sisters in Islam executive director Rozana Isa, Malaysian Socialist Party deputy chairman S. Arulchelvan, and party committee member Choo Chon Kai. – The Vibes, September 29, 2022
