Two anti-ISA protestors were released on police bail this morning after being detained overnight for alleged unruly conduct at the Jalan Patani police station in George Town, Penang.

Activists Lau Shu Shi and Teh Chun Hong, both 25, are members of human rights group Suaram.

Lau was leaving the police station when an officer allegedly raised his voice against her. When she told him to lower his voice and show respect, a shouting match ensued.

She was then taken in for questioning under Section 90 of the Police Act 1976. Teh was detained for recording the incident and his video camera was seized.

penang hindraff anti isa protestor police report 120508 01 On being released at 11am today, they were greeted by anti-ISA supporters and lawyers Darshan Singh Khaira and V Sivagurupatham. Lau and Teh will have to report to the police station on May 26 in connection with this case.

They face a second possible charge - organising and participating in an illegal assembly - after a a 45-minute demonstration at Gurney Plaza.

Five others - social activist BK Ong, 48, Olai Chudi blogger K Satish Kumar, 23, B Vimal, 21, M Suparamaniam, 21, and K Sudhagaran Stanley, 23 - were also arrested under Section 27 of the Police Act but were released after being questioned for seven hours.

ong boon keong Ong (photo) and Satish Kumar were detained near Gurney Paza for being “active during the protest”. The others were held after lodging reports at the Jalan Patani police station.

Ong described the detention as “more of harassment”, saying: “Perhaps the police wanted to instill fear in anti-ISA activists.”

DPP to decide

George Town OCPD Azam Abd Hamid said the police would leave it to the Deputy Public Prosecutor to decide whether or not to charge the seven.

He said they were to have been charged in the George Town Magistrate’s Court his morning, but were released on bail when the DPP requested more time to study the case.

“When they report to the police station (on May 21), we will inform them whether they will be charged or not,” he told Malaysiakini.

He said the police had no choice but to arrest them for being part of an illegal assembly, causing public disorder and disruption to traffic flow.

“There’s no such thing as a peaceful gathering. They should get a permit to organise a street assembly, otherwise it’s illegal,” he said.

penang hindraff protest 120508 04 The demonstration, which drew nearly 150 people, was part of a nationwide protest to demand the release of ISA detainees as well as medical treatment for Hindu Rights Action Force legal advisor P Uthayakumar.

One of four leaders of the Hindu Rights Action Force held at the Kamunting detention camp in Perak since Dec 13 last year, Uthayakumar - a diabetic - is said to be suffering from chest pains and possibly damaged heart muscles.

His supporters want the government to refer him to the National Heart Institute for further treatment.

Similar gatherings were held simultaneously at the Prai Megamall Pinang, Kuala Lumpur City Centre, Ipoh, Seremban and Johor Bahru.