Three activists were arrested and detained following a peaceful protest calling for the arrest and investigation of Malaysian Anti-Corruption Commission (MACC) Chief Commissioner Azam Baki.
Responding to their arrests, Amnesty International Malaysia’s freedom of expression campaigner Kiran Kaur said: “The ongoing detention of three activists over a peaceful protest highlights an alarming pattern of penalising non-violent expression.
“Instead of delivering on long-promised reforms such as repealing laws that restrict free speech, the authorities are once again resorting to broad and punitive measures to silence dissent,” she said.
“Peaceful protest is not a crime. Arresting and detaining activists over alleged criminal trespass and ‘intentional insult’ is a disproportionate response to non-violent action. It undermines Malaysia’s commitment to respecting and upholding freedom of expression and assembly. “
The police must immediately release those detained and drop all investigations against them, Kiran said. Instead of targeting activists, the government should create an environment where people can safely express criticism and demand accountability.
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“The repeated arrest and detention of government critics points to a broader pattern of shrinking civic space that must urgently be reversed,” she added.
Background
On 7 April, three activists – Hamdin Nordin, Muhammad Fakrurrazzi and Ahsanul Akmal – were arrested following a peaceful protest at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur linked to the #TangkapAzamBaki campaign. The campaign calls for the arrest and investigation of Azam, who protesters allege owns excessive corporate shares.
Their remand has been extended by three days as police investigate them under Section 447 (criminal trespass), Section 504 (intentional insult), and Section 186 (obstructing a public servant) of the Penal Code, as well as Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act.
Amnesty International Malaysia and other human rights groups have consistently called for an end to the criminalisation of peaceful protest and for urgent reforms to fully protect the right to protest in line with international human rights standards.
This comes ahead of a planned rally at the end of the month, raising further concerns about how authorities will respond to peaceful assembly. – Amnesty Malaysia
AGENDA RAKYAT - Lima perkara utama
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