Human rights watchdog Suaram has lodged a report against the inspector-general of police (IGP) Musa Hassan for ‘violating civil rights’.

NONE Suaram coordinator Enalini Devi Elumalai led the delegation of six in making the report about 11.30am today at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur.

In a statement to the media later, Enalini said the report was made because of specific police actions during last Saturday’s anti-ISA rally .

She alleged that the police:

  • Used excessive force against the demonstrators without reason
  • Showed a lack of consideration for (minors) who were among the demonstrators
  • Made illegal arrests without notifying those detained of their charge
  • Inconvenienced the public with road blocks and the closure of the Star LRT Line
  • Showed ‘evil intention’ by arresting people without cause even before the demonstration
Suaram director S Arutchelvan who was present, added that while “we do not expect the IGP to investigate himself, this report is a starting point for any investigations into the improper conduct of the police – by Suhakam or other organisations”.

He also claimed that some detainees overheard police personnel arguing among themselves, as they were unsure of who arrested which detainee, or what to charge them with.

‘Police are frontliners’

Asked why Suaram chose to lodge the report against the police and not the Home Ministry, Arutchelvan replied that the police are on the front line of any enforcement action.

NONE “As such they – and the IGP personally – should take responsibility,” he said, reiterating that this does not absolve the Home Ministry and its minister from being held accountable.

He also said that, while the Enforcement Agencies’ Integrity Commission is an avenue for complaint, the commission is not yet fully operational. He further expressed doubts as to its impartiality.

On Saturday, police arrested 589 people including 44 juveniles and opposition party notables including Subang MP R Sivarasa.

All have since been released, but 29 were charged yesterday for allegedly participating in an illegal assembly or for offering assistance to an “unlawful group” - a reference to rally organiser, the Abolish ISA Movement.