The Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) is concerned that the police continues to prevent a citizen’s right to freedom of assembly, as seen by the latest warning issued to the Coalition Against Inflation (Protes), which has planned an assembly this Saturday, 26 Jan.
On 25 Jan, national news agency BERNAMA reported the warning by Dang Wangi police chief ACP Zulkarnain Abdul Rahman, against the group holding the assembly. He reportedly said that the group has yet to apply for a permit, which means the assembly will be illegal.
CIJ stresses that freedom of assembly, as guaranteed under the Constitution, should not be restricted under the pretext of security. A country which claims to be democratic should allow the public to assemble peacefully without having to apply for a permit. This has also been recommended by the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM).
In May 2006, police broke up an assembly in front of KLCC to protest rising prices. According to the findings by SUHAKAM’s public inquiry, 10 were injured due to excessive force by the police and 20 others arrested. It has since been dubbed the Bloody Sunday.
CIJ is concerned that the warning by the police only causes fear among the public and deters them from attending the assembly to express an issue of importance to them.
We urge the police to allow the assembly to go on without resorting to any interventions and to provide a safe environment for people to gather peacefully.
The Centre for Independent Journalism, Malaysia (CIJ) aspires for a society that is democratic, just and free, where all people enjoy free media and the freedom to express, seek, and impart information.
Issued by
Gayathry Venkiteswaran
Executive Director
For more information, please contact Wai Fong at 03 40230772
Centre for Independent Journalism
27C Jalan Sarikei, off Jalan Pahang
53000 Kuala Lumpur
Tel: 03 4023 0772, 03 4024 9840
Fax: 03 4023 0769
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