Probe Detainees’ Allegations of Assault

Aliran welcomes the authorities’ move to investigate sacked deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim’s allegations of physical assault.

We, however, feel that the composition of the investigation team should be completely independent and not include members of the police force to ensure justice and transparency.  Nothing less than a Royal Commission of Inquiry should be set up for the findings to have any credibility.

That said, we urge the authorities to also probe the allegations of other detainees - such as Tian Chua, the chairman of the Coalition for People’s Democracy - who have claimed that they were also assaulted by police.

A thorough and independent investigation is crucial given the public concern and outrage over the cases of alleged assault, which have undermined the credibility of the police force. The findings of this probe should be made public so that appropriate action can be taken against those - directly and indirectly - guilty of assault.

An independent inquiry is crucial to allay the fears of many over the increasing lawlessness and arbitrary action displayed by those whose very job it is to uphold the law.
 

Aliran Executive Committee
2 October 1998