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Malaysia: Six supporters of the Bersih 2.0 rally for electoral reforms remain in detention under 1969 emergency ordinance
Asian Human Rights Commission Urgent Appeal - July 15, 2011 (see sample letter below)
Dear friends,
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) has learned that six leaders of the Parti Socialis Malaysia (PSM) remain in detention without trial under sections 3(1) and 4(1) of the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 (EO), which allows the police to detain suspects without trial for up to 60 days. They were first arrested on 25 June 2011 while traveling in a bus to Penang to promote the Bersih 2.0 rally for electoral reforms on 9 July 2011. They were released on 2 July but re-arrested the same day under the EO. The arrest and detention without trial of the six PSM leaders under the EO is a serious violation of the freedom of expression, the right to liberty, and the right to fair trial.
Case narrative:
The six members of the Parti Socialis Malaysia (PSM) under detention are: Dr. Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, a member of parliament; Mr. Sukumaran Munisamy, Mr. Letchumanan Aseer Patham, Mr. Choo Chon Kai, Ms. Sarasvathy Muthu and Mr. Sarat Babu Raman.
Dr. Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj and the five others were first arrested when they were in a group of 31 persons on 25 June 2011 at the Sungai Dua toll plaza in Seberang Prai Utara. They were traveling in a bus from Sungai Petani towards Penang to promote the planned Bersih 2.0 rally on 9 July 2011. The rally was initiated by a coalition of over 60 civil society groups calling for electoral reforms for free and fair elections in Malaysia. This was just one of the many arrests that were happening all over the country as the Malaysian government attempted to prevent the rally from being held.
On 26 June, 30 of them were ordered to be remanded until July 2 by the Butterworth Magistrate's Court, while a 16-year-old teenager, S Ragu, was released unconditionally. On 1 July, the High Court upheld the Magistrate's remand order. All 30 were detained for seven days to assist the police investigation under Section 122 of the Penal Code for allegedly waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Malaysia's Supreme Head of State, the King) and for attempting to revive the Communist Party.
After being released on 2 July 2011 from the IPD Kepala Batas, Penang, the six were re-arrested by the Bukit Aman police outside the station and have remained in detention since then. This time they are being held under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 (EO), which allows for detention without trial. The EO provides the police with powers to detain a person for up to 60 days. After the initial 60-day detention period, the Home Ministry can make an order authorising further detention without trial for a period of up to two years. This order can be renewed indefinitely and is a blatant denial of the rights to civil liberties and circumvents the rule of law.
On 6 July, the six detainees filed their habeas corpus application to challenge their unlawful detention, an application which is normally heard on an urgent basis, but the High Court decided that it will only be heard on 22 July.
Background information:
Bersih 2.0, a coalition of over 60 civil society groups planned to hold a rally on 9 July to demand electoral reforms for free and fair elections in Malaysia. In response, the Malaysian government disallowed the rally and carried out arrests and intimidation against the leaders and supporters of Bersih 2.0. According to the human rights organizations in Malaysia, at least 150 persons were arrested or summoned for investigation before the rally. At the same time, many people were harassed and intimidated by the police for wearing Bersih 2.0 t-shirts and distributing Bersih 2.0 leaflets. Bersih 2.0 was also declared an illegal organisation by the government. On 9 July, the rally was held despite the disapproval by the Malaysian police. Tens of thousands of people turned up, but faced a brutal crackdown by the police. Many protesters were injured, among them, Mr. Anwar Ibrahim, the parliamentary opposition leader. According to reports, over 1,600 people were arrested during the rally. They were all later released.
In Malaysia, there are a number of draconian laws that provide for detention without trial. The most prominent of these laws are the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA), the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969, and the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures Act 1985). Until 1989, it was still possible to go for judicial review to challenge the reasons for detention, but then the law was amended and this right no longer exists when it comes to detention orders issued by the Minister. Hence, it is essential that the habeas corpus hearing of Dr. Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj and the five others is done immediately, noting also that they will have the right of appeal to the Court of Appeal, and thereafter the Federal Court if need be. Whilst the period that the police may detain a person under this detention without trial law is 60 days, there is nothing to prevent the Minister from issuing a two year detention order long before 60 days have expired. The issuance of such an order will deprive Dr. Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj and the five others the right to freedom even if they are successful in challenging the reasons for detention by the police.
Suggested action
Please send letters to the persons listed below calling for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, Choo Chon Kai, M. Sarasvathy, M. Sukumaran, A.P Letchumanan, R. Sarat Babu and all others currently being detained in Malaysia under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969, the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA), the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 (DD(SPM)A) and other laws which allow detention without trial. Please urge that these laws be repealed.
The Asian Human Rights Commission is sending a separate letter to the Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of opinion and expression.
To support this appeal, please click here: http://www.urgentappeals.net/support.php?ua=AHRC-UAC-122-2011
Dear __________,
Malaysia: Six supporters of the Bersih 2.0 rally for electoral reforms remain in detention under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969
I have been informed by the Asian Human Rights Commission that six members of the Parti Socialis Malaysia (PSM) are under detention. They are: Dr. Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, a member of parliament; Mr. Sukumaran Munisamy, Mr. Letchumanan Aseer Patham, Mr. Choo Chon Kai, Ms. Sarasvathy Muthu and Mr. Sarat Babu Raman.
Dr. Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj and the five others were first arrested when they were in a group of 31 persons on 25 June 2011 at the Sungai Dua toll plaza in Seberang Prai Utara. They were traveling in a bus from Sungai Petani towards Penang to promote the planned Bersih 2.0 rally on 9 July 2011. The rally was initiated by a coalition of over 60 civil society groups calling for electoral reforms for free and fair elections in Malaysia. This was just one of the many arrests that were happening all over the country as the Malaysian government attempted to prevent the rally from being held.
On 26 June, 30 of them were ordered to be remanded until July 2 by the Butterworth Magistrate's Court, while a 16-year-old teenager, S Ragu, was released unconditionally. On 1 July, the High Court upheld the Magistrate's remand order. All 30 were detained for seven days to assist the police investigation under Section 122 of the Penal Code for allegedly waging war against the Yang di-Pertuan Agong (Malaysia's Supreme Head of State, the King) and for attempting to revive the Communist Party.
After being released on 2 July 2011 from the IPD Kepala Batas, Penang, the six were re-arrested by the Bukit Aman police outside the station and have remained in detention since then. This time they are being held under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969 (EO), which allows for detention without trial. The EO provides the police with powers to detain a person for up to 60 days. After the initial 60-day detention period, the Home Ministry can make an order authorising further detention without trial for a period of up to two years. This order can be renewed indefinitely and is a blatant denial of the rights to civil liberties and circumvents the rule of law.
In Malaysia, there are a number of draconian laws that provide for detention without trial. The most prominent of these laws are the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA), the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969, and the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures Act 1985)
I am extremely concerned to learn that on 6 July, the six detainees filed their habeas corpus application to challenge their unlawful detention, an application which is normally heard on an urgent basis, but the High Court decided that it will only be heard on 22 July.
I therefore urge that the earliest possible date for the hearing of the habeas corpus application filed by the six detainees on 6 July 2011 be fixed. Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj, Choo Chon Kai, M. Sarasvathy, M. Sukumaran, A.P Letchumanan, R. Sarat Babu and all others currently being detained in Malaysia under the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969, the Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA), the Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 (DD(SPM)A) and other laws which allow detention without trial should be immediately and unconditionally released.
I also call for the repeal of the Emergency (Public Order and Prevention of Crime) Ordinance 1969, Internal Security Act 1960 (ISA), Dangerous Drugs (Special Preventive Measures) Act 1985 (DD(SPM)A) and other laws that allow for detention without trial.
Finally, I ask that the detainees be allowed access to lawyers and family members without restriction of any kind.
Please send your letters to:
1. Prime Minister of Malaysia
Dato' Sri Mohd Najib Bin
Tun Abdul Razak
Office of The Prime Minister,
Main Block, Perdana Putra
Building,
Federal Government Administrative
Centre,
62502 Putrajaya,
MALAYSIA
Tel: +603-8888 8000
Fax: +603-8888 3444
E-mail: ppm@pmo.gov.my
2. Minister of Home Affairs
Dato' Seri Hishammuddin
Tun Hussein
Ministry of Home Affairs
Blok D1 & D2, Kompleks
D
Pusat Pentadbiran
Kerajaan Persekutuan
62546 Putrajaya
MALAYSIA
Tel: +603 8886 8000
Fax: +603-88891613/+603-88891610
E-mail: hishammuddin@moha.gov.my
3. Inspector General of Police
Tan Sri Haji Ismail Bin
Haji Omar
Ibu Pejabat Polis Diraja
Malaysia
Bukit Aman
50560 Kuala Lumpur.
MALAYSIA
Tel: +603 - 2266 2222
Fax: +603 - 2070 7500
E-mail: kpn@rmp.gov.my
4. The Human Rights Commission
of Malaysia (SUHAKAM)
11th Floor, Menara TH Perdana,
Jalan Sultan Ismail, 50250
Kuala Lumpur
MALAYSIA
Tel: +60 3 2612 5600
Fax: +60 3 2612 5620
E-mail: humanrights@suhakam.org.my
Thank you.
Urgent Appeals Programme
Asian Human Rights Commission
(ua@ahrc.asia)
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