Aliran is deeply disturbed by the arrest or detention of PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan this evening.
We note that Arutchelvan had already given his statement to the police on 14 August. This was in connection with a scuffle a day earlier when he and his fellow activists were obstructed when trying to submit a memo to Parliament. During the incident, he fell to the ground.
As Arutchelvan had already had his statement recorded, we fail to see why he needs to be detained or arrested.
This appears to be an abuse of police powers. It should not be happening under an administration that is supposed to be reformist and should uphold basic rights like the freedom of assembly.
Aliran calls for his immediate release and for all investigations to be dropped.
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Aliran executive committee
20 August 2025
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
