The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) will arrange to meet detainees held under the Internal Security Act (ISA) to investigate claims of Guantanamo-style torture.

suhakam memo shaani sha'ani 170412 Contacted yesterday after the commission's regular meeting, during which the issue was discussed, commissioner Muhammad Sha'ani Abdullah ( left ) said Suhakam expects to do this in the next two weeks.

"We will investigate to get proof and evidence to follow up on. These claims not only relate to the present detainees but also past detainees... some have even written books about the initial period of detention (when the torture is alleged to have happened)," he said.

Suhakam will also look into medical records of detainees to find corroborating evidence and witnesses.

"We need to identify if there are any doctors involved to corroborate (the claims)," he said.

He said Suhakam has subpoena powers and hopes to be able to trace medical officers who may be able to provide evidence, even if they have left government service.

The commission is also working on the issue of a number of foreign nationals held under the ISA at the detention camp in Kamunting, Perak.

 

"Commissioner James (Nayagam) has met with representatives of the respective embassies. Some claim they were not informed (their citizens) were detained. They are making their representations to the government on the detainees' behalf," he said.

Police say claims 'baseless'

Malaysiakini on Monday had reported that notes allegedly smuggled out of the Kamunting detention camp provide harrowing accounts of torture.

The allegations, among others, include detainees being forced to strip down to their underwear and ‘hung' upside down and beaten; hot oil poured onto the genitals; the ripping out of body hair, including pubic hair; and the burning of the genitals with cigarettes.

The notes claim that the "torture" took place during the 60-day remand period at a remand centre in an undisclosed location.

However, the police have dismissed the claims as "baseless" and "malicious", and having the intention of "smearing the image and reputation of the police and the Special Branch".

Police also claimed the detainees are only trying to gain publicity and sympathy so they will be released early from detention.

The 45 detainees still being held at Kamunting will have to serve out the remainder of the detention orders when the Security Offences (Security Measures) Bill 2012 is gazetted to replace the ISA.

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