Law enforcers must investigate fracas at anti-Lynas rally in Penang, protect right to peaceful assembly

27 February 2012

Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is disappointed that the police were unable to ensure security for protesters and journalists who were present at the Himpunan Hijau 2.0 solidarity rally held in Penang yesterday.

The Penang gathering at the Speakers’ Square, held in support of the anti-Lynas protest in Kuantan on the same day, was reportedly peaceful until an opposing group arrived and tried to silence and intimidate those already gathered, including the chief minister. In the resulting fracas, two journalists were injured. According to news reports, journalists Adam Chew and Lee Hong Chun, with local Chinese daily Kwong Wah Jit Poh, were hit on the head with helmets; Chew required eight stitches on his finger, which was hurt when he tried to deflect the blow with his hand, while Lee suffered bruises on his head.

It is unfortunate that two journalists were caught in the commotion in Penang and were hurt when similar protests held in other locations — Kuantan, Bukit Merah, Kota Kinabalu, Kuching, Sibu, Miri, Keluang, and Kuala Lumpur — went smoothly.

The public is counting on law enforcers and public authorities to carry out their duty neutrally to protect the rights of the people, including the right to peaceful assembly. In the many Youtube videos which captured the fracas, there was no law enforcer in sight. We urge the authorities to investigate the fight in Penang and bring to book the perpetrators to show that violence will not be tolerated. We call on the police to work towards ensuring that the people  are able to exercise their right to assemble peacefully in accordance with the moderate and mature democracy that we aspire to be.

The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) is a non-profit organisation that aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free, where all peoples will enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek and impart information.