Excessive Force by Police Condemned by Human Rights Groups

Civil groups Article 19 and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) have condemned the use of excessive force by police against peaceful protesters outside Parliament yesterday. The groups urged the police to facilitate the public's right to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution. According to Article 19's Senior Malaysia Programme Officer, Nalini Elumalai, the police obstructed individuals who were seeking to reach their representatives to call for a decent housing scheme law for plantation workers. The clashes occurred when police allegedly attempted to physically block plantation workers and activists from marching to Parliament to call for new legislation protecting workers from forced evictions. Hundreds of plantation workers had gathered at Taman Tugu before marching to Parliament to submit a memorandum urging laws to require alternative housing for workers if estates are repurposed.

Key Takeaways:

• The police used excessive force against peaceful protesters outside Parliament, obstructing their right to freedom of assembly and expression.
• Article 19 and CIJ condemned the police actions, urging them to facilitate the public's right to peaceful assembly and freedom of expression under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution.
• The police allegedly physically blocked plantation workers and activists from marching to Parliament, leading to clashes and a scuffle during which Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) deputy chairperson S. Arutchelvan fell to the ground.
• The police claimed an officer was injured by protesters, and Arutchelvan is being investigated under Section 353 of the Penal Code for allegedly using criminal force to deter a public servant.
• Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim's promise of institutional and democratic transformation has been highlighted as urgent, including reviewing laws that restrict freedom of expression and ensuring law enforcement officers are adequately trained to respect and protect peaceful protesters.
• The incident raises concerns about the police's handling of peaceful protests and their adherence to international human rights standards, which permit peaceful assemblies in public spaces.

Statistics:

• Hundreds of plantation workers gathered at Taman Tugu before marching to Parliament.
• A scuffle occurred during which Socialist Party of Malaysia (PSM) deputy chairperson S. Arutchelvan fell to the ground.
• According to Article 19, peaceful assemblies are permitted in public spaces and should be within sight and sound of their intended audience.

Sources:

• "Joint Statement on Excessive Force by Police during Public Assembly" by Article 19 and the Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ),
• "Police claim officer was injured by protesters during Parliament assembly" by .