Suhakam wants an explanation from the police regarding their actions during the demonstration near the Cheras-Kajang highway on Jan 21.

The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) made the decision following a complaint lodged by Selangor DAP, who alleged that excessive force was used by the police to break up the demonstration.

During the incident, 22 individuals were arrested and at least three of them have claimed that they were victims of police brutality.

A video clip was of protester Ho Chee Loong, 28, being allegedly roughed up during arrest and later being repeatedly punched in the groin was also submitted as evidence to Suhakam.

The protest was held against the Jan 1 hike in the toll charges for five highways in the Klang Valley.

Wait for report

"As far as Suhakam is concerned, we are for freedom of assembly," said Suhakam commissioner N Siva Subramaniam when contacted today.

He said the commission would submit a comprehensive report on freedom of assembly and highlight some 'areas of concern' to the police soon and would expect the police to reply.

While not ruling out a public inquiry into the incident, Siva said Suhakam would have to wait for the publication of a report on a previous public inquiry alleged human rights abuse by the police during a demonstration on May 28 last year, near the Suria KLCC shopping complex.

"The commission is of the opinion that the (issue raised by DAP Selangor) was similar to the KLCC incident and we would wait for the report which is being finalised," he said.

The report is expected to be made public in mid-March.

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