Suaram called for the immediate release of actor Khaeryll Benjamin Ibrahim@Benjy who was re-arrested just minutes after being freed on bail by a magistrate's court.

The human rights NGO condemned the authorities for re-arresting Benjy under Section 3 of the Dangerous Drugs Act (Special Preventive Measures) 1985 (DDA), which allows for detention without trial.

Benjy was freed two days ago after his mother, actress Azean Irdawaty, posted the RM2,000 bail.

However, shortly after that, he was taken by a group of 10 plainclothes personnel who did not inform her mother the reasons for the arrest, and instead directed her to their superior.

 "Even the lawyers representing Benjy were not allowed to assist him," said coordinator E Nalini in a press statement issued today.

"The use of DDA, particularly in instances where individuals have already been freed by the court, such as the latest case of Benjy, is blatant abuse of power," she added.

She said that not only had the police disregarded the court's decision to free him on bail, but DDA confers powers on the home minister to sign a two-year detention order which can be renewed indefinitely at the end of the initial 60-day detention period.

Decision cannot be challenged

"Further, the home minister's decision cannot be challenged in court," she said.

While Suaram acknowledges the government's responsibility for curbing crime, there is no justification for resorting to the use of laws such as DDA which violate human rights.

"In society governed by the rule of law, any person suspected of committing a crime is presumed innocent until proven guilty. As such, like the Internal Security Act, and the DDA have no place in any civilised society," she added.

Suaram urged the government strongly to abolish the DDA and other 'detention without trial' laws.

"Those held under these laws must be charged in court or released unconditionally," she said.