We, the May 18 Memorial Foundation and the laureates of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights, are deeply alarmed by the detention of Maria Chin Abdullah, the chairperson of Bersih 2.0, by the Malaysian police.
Bersih 2.0 is the 2016 laureate of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights presented by the May 18 Memorial Foundation.
We are aware that Bersih 2.0 is an organisation which is engaged in a legitimate struggle to establish free and fair elections, clean government, and the right to dissent. The rally on 19 November 2016 to campaign for this objective was completed peacefully without any violence and with the support of a large gathering.
It is regrettable that the Malaysian government raided the office of Bersih 2.0 the day before the rally and arrested Maria, and Mandeep Singh, the secretariat manager of Bersih 2.0, and other activists.
While some of those who have been arrested have been released, Maria Chin Abdullah is being held in detention under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma).
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As persons committed to the promotion of democracy and human rights, we are gravely concerned about the grave obstacles placed in the way of Malaysians who demand clean and fair elections and clean government which are basic rights guaranteed to all citizens in a democratic society.
We also wish to express our concern over the appalling conditions of solitary confinement under which Maria is being detained. Such detention violates the dignity and the rights of citizens.
- We, therefore call upon the Malaysian government to immediately take the following actions for safeguarding the rights of all who are engaged in demanding their right to participate in the political affairs of their country. Release the detained Maria Chin Abdullah, the chairperson of Bersih 2.0, immediately.
- Stop the harassment and oppression immediately of Bersih’s activists and their supporters.
- Unconditionally guarantee the right to assemble and dissent and other basic rights and freedom that are enshrined in the constitution.
- Take all steps necessary to ensure free and fair elections and good governance in Malaysia.
22 November 2016
The May 18 Memorial Foundation, Gwangju, South Korea
The laureates of the Gwangju Prize for Human Rights:
- Adilur Rahman Khan, Bangladesh
- Bersih 2.0, Malaysia
- Basil Fernando, Sri Lanka/Hong Kong
- Dandeniya Gamage Jayanthi, Sri Lanka
- Irom Sharmila Chanu, Manipur, India
- Latifah Anum Siregar, Papua, Indonesia
- Ng Shui Meng (for Sombath Somphone), Laos
- Sushil Pyakurel, Nepal.
- Tempo Weekly, Magazine, Indonesia.
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
- Tegakkan maruah serta kualiti kehidupan rakyat
- Galakkan pembangunan saksama, lestari serta tangani krisis alam sekitar
- Raikan kerencaman dan keterangkuman
- Selamatkan demokrasi dan angkatkan keluhuran undang-undang
- Lawan rasuah dan kronisme
