Bar Council condemns mass arrest at rally

The Star
Monday August 3, 2009

PETALING JAYA: The Bar Council on Monday condemned the mass arrest and alleged use of force at Saturday’s rally and called on the Government to adhere to the people’s wishes.

The Government must respect the fundamental rights of individuals to assemble peaceably to express their opinions, said council chairman Ragunath Kesavan.

The Malaysian Bar also denounced the government’s “overzealous and abusive show of power” during Saturday’s rally against the Internal Security Act, he said.

It also slammed the “reckless” use of tear gas and water cannons during the rally and urged for the immediate and unconditional release of those who were still being detained, he said.

“The Malaysian Bar is disappointed that the Government has not seen fit to embrace the public’s increased expression of viewpoints as a positive development in our society and accord it the necessary democratic space to flourish.

“Instead, it appears that it is determined to continue stifling public opinion, persecuting and punishing those who speak out while blaming them for creating unrest and disorder.

“Equally deplorable is the treatment of those arrested. Juveniles who were detained were placed in a cell with adult detainees, which is in violation of child rights and procedures for handling juvenile detainees,” he said in a statement Monday.

Ragunath said the Government must exercise restraint and demonstrate its commitment to democratic processes by not pursuing charges against any participant.

“We also urge the Government to immediately heed the calls for reform and to respect the rule of law and fundamental rights.”