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The Centre for Independent Journalism is a non-profit organisation promoting media independence and freedom of expression in Malaysia.
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We, as civil society organisations with common interest in promoting freedom of assembly, stand in Solidarity with the Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat (SSR) and activists who are facing arrests and intimidation. We will offer support as observers at the #Lawan protest.
The magnitude of intimidation and harassment faced by activists of #Lawan and the members of Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat (SSR) at the hands of the authorities, especially the police, is appalling and must cease immediately.
The organisers and participants of the #Lawan actions have been subjected to consistent intimidation and harassment since 25 July 2021 following their actions in Dataran Merdeka on 17 July 2021 and a convoy on 24 July 2021. This includes the following :
1)25 July – 13 activists were called in for investigations at various district police stations, including at IPD Brickfields, IPD Sepang and IPD Melaka Tengah;
2)26 July – 10 activists and protesters were called in for investigations at various district police stations, including at IPD Brickfields, IPD Dang Wangi, IPD Kajang;
3)27 July – 3 activist namely Wan Shakila, Nu’man Shaharman and Umar Azmi whom were called the day before were called again to the IPD Brickfields for investigations;
4)28 July– 1 activist was arrested and released on police bail and another 2 were called in for their 2nd investigation;
5)29 July – the co-founder of MISI Solidariti, Sarah Irdina was arrested under the Sedition Act 1948 and her home raided. She was held at the Jinjang police station and was released at 1230 am 30 July 2021;
6)29 July – 3 activists, Muhammad Alshatri, Tharma Pillai and Afiq Adib were called to the Dang Wangi police headquarters and investigated regarding a protest that is planned on 31 July 2021 and social media postings calling for the resignation of the Prime Minister, the reconvening of Parliament and the ending of the Emergency.
Such disproportionate responses to a peaceful and organised protest is unnecessary and infringes upon their right to freedom of expression, freedom of assembly and association. The organisers have shown thorough consideration for the safety of peoples in Malaysia and took deliberate measures to comply with the SOPs and have been absolutely cooperative with the police ever since.
We would like to remind the government and the police of the repeated calls by various organisations to repeal Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act and the Sedition Act 1948 due to its draconian and broad provisions that no longer fits a progressive democratic nation. Applying these repressive laws only reek of abuse, intimidation, and an attempt to silence youth activism. The calls made by activists of #Lawan are far from being harmful to the people and are within their democratic and constitutional rights as people of this country.
We therefore call upon the Inspector General of Police (IGP) to withdraw all investigations and charges, and stop all arrests and harassment with immediate effect. Instead, take proactive initiatives to support the right to freedom of assembly and facilitate the protest and offer protection. We would also like to remind the IGP that the police force is supposed to remain independently in carrying out its service to the people. PDRM’s actions, responses and activities must be guided by international human rights standards to avoid detrimental effect of the people’s fundamental rights and liberties.
In the interest of freedom of expression and fundamental liberties, and considering the series of intimidation and harassment that we have been observing so far, a team of civil society members will act as observers at the protest to provide support and to monitor any possible human rights violation.
We see this as a necessary step to ensure the right to protest peacefully even in a time of crisis remains protected. We will take all precautionary measures to ensure we perform our roles as observers with minimum risks to protesters and members of the public.
Signed off by following Civil Society Organisations:
1. Centre for Independent Journalism
2. KRYSS Network
3. Amnesty International Malaysia
4. Justice for Sisters
5. Sisters in Islam (SIS)
6. Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM)
7. Freedom Film Network (FFN)
The Centre for Independent Journalism is a non-profit organisation promoting media independence and freedom of expression in Malaysia.