The authorities must stop all acts of intimidation against two filmmakers over an animated film that details alleged torture in police custody, say activists.
In a statement, the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and the Freedom Film Network (FFN) also urged police to drop their investigations against FFN, its co-founder Anna Har and artist Amin Landak over the film “Chilli Powder and Thinner”.
Earlier today, police raided FFN’s office and Amin’s home in Wangsa Maju, an hour after questioning Har and Amin.
Accusing the police of going on “a rampage”, CIJ and FFN said the authorities must be open to public scrutiny and demand for transparency.
“Initiating an investigation merely on the account that a particular incident negatively portrays the police is unwarranted and a serious violation of our constitutional guarantees of freedom of expression and speech.”
CIJ and FFN also called for the urgent establishment of an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) to ensure accountability and professionalism of the force.
The statement was endorsed by over 60 civil society groups and activists.
Har and Amin are being investigated under Section 500 of the Penal Code for defamation, Section 505 (b) of the Penal Code for statements that could cause public alarm and distress, and Section 233 (1) (a) of the Communications and Multimedia Act for improper use of network facilities.
Their four-minute animated film, titled “Chilli Powder & Thinner”, is said to be based on the testimony of a 16-year-old boy who was allegedly arrested and beaten up by police along with two other individuals
Source: Free Malaysia Today
