In a chilling display of authority, the arrest of Sevan Doraisamy, Executive Director of Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM), has ignited outrage among human rights organisations. The arbitrary detention, involving six police officers over alleged unauthorised entry into a restricted area, demonstrates a disturbing abuse of power. Investigation under the Protected Areas Act is alarming, and the call for an immediate halt to intimidation against Sevan and SUARAM is louder than ever.
On 10 February, Sevan, alongside families of detainees under the Security Offences Act, sought entry to the Home Ministry to voice concerns regarding the conditions of their loved ones. Instead of being welcomed, they were turned away, left waiting for an entry pass that never materialised. The authorities’ refusal to engage only precipitated the subsequent arrest, further illustrating a pattern of disrespect towards civil engagement.
When police arrived on 12 February, they informally announced their intention to record statements but failed to follow procedure, leading to Sevan’s sudden arrest related to the Protected Areas Act. After enduring hours of detention, he was finally released, but not without leaving an indelible mark on the state of civil liberties in Malaysia.
Such heavy-handed tactics aim to stifle dissent and instill fear among those who challenge government actions. This incident embodies a worrying trend of increased governmental hostility towards human rights defenders and the suppression of free expression. In a time when advocacy for human rights should flourish, we witness a crackdown on voices demanding justice and reform.
The undersigned organisations unite in a passionate plea for the Malaysian government to cease all forms of intimidation against SUARAM and human rights defenders. Upholding the right to freedom of expression and assembly, enshrined in Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, is crucial. It is imperative that defenders can pursue their missions without fear of retribution, fostering an environment where human rights thrive.
The arrest of Sevan Doraisamy, a prominent human rights defender, has sparked widespread condemnation due to its excessive and unwarranted nature. Following an attempted visit to the Home Ministry regarding detainee conditions, Sevan faced arbitrary detention, exemplifying a broader trend of repression against civil society in Malaysia. Organisations are now rallying for an end to such intimidation, urging the government to uphold fundamental human rights and freedoms.
The arrest of Sevan Doraisamy exemplifies the troubling escalation of government repression against human rights defenders in Malaysia. The heavy-handed approach taken to silence dissent sends a clear message of intimidation, undermining the core democratic principles of freedom of expression and assembly. A united call emerges demanding the cessation of harassment against human rights advocates, reaffirming the necessity of protecting those who strive for justice and reform.
Original Source: www.article19.org
