27 July 2011

Anwar: Flip-flop reasoning justifies release of PSM 6...

Opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim today said that the inconsistent reasoning given for the detention of six PSM members under the Emergency Ordinance, is reason enough for their release.

In a statement on his blog today, Anwar said that the fact that the reason for detention was changed from "involvement with subversive activity" to "planning the Bersih 2.0 rally" shows that the arrests have no basis. "It is apparent that this is solely the government's trick to malign Bersih 2.0," he said.

The six - Sungai Siput MP Dr D Jeyakumar, M Sarasvathy, Choo Chon Kai, M Sugumaran, A Letchumanan and R Saras Babu-have been detained under the Emergency Ordinance since July 2.

They were nabbed during a PSM roadshow to campaign against what they see as BN's bad governance.

Waging war

The police had initially said that they were arrested for planning to wage war against the King, but in a recent habeas corpus application said it was because they were key movers of the Bersih 2.0 rally.

The habeaus corpus hearing was, however, adjourned to Aug 5, five days after the 30-day detention order expires; but the order can be renewed for another 30 days by the police.

Demanding the immediate release of the six, who he believes are victims of "political manipulation", Anwar said the matter has gained urgency as there is now suspicion of abuse.

He said this is especially since the detainees were denied a meeting with representatives of the National Human Rights Commission (Suhakam).

Families of the six have also been denied access since July 15 and have been finally given allowance to meet today at 11am after several requests.

The families are currently meeting the detainees at the Dang Wangi, Selayang, Travers, Jinjang, Kepong and Petaling police stations respectively.

"Pakatan Rakyat has resolved to heighten our campaign to explain to the public nationwide the oppressive nature of detention without trial... under the Emergency Ordinance.

"This archaic and oppressive law no longer serves to protect the country but is manipulated to muzzle dissenting voices," Anwar said.

source:malaysiakini

Anwar minta KDN bebas segera enam tahanan Ordinan Darurat

cheers.

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