Recently-released Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees Tian Chua and Hishamuddin Rais are finally free after bail was granted for all their outstanding criminal charges.

This morning, the Kuala Lumpur magistrate's court allowed them bail of RM2,000 for each of charge of illegal assembly that they face.

Keadilan vice president Tian faces two charges and malaysiakini columnist-cum-filmmaker Hishamuddin, three.

The duo were among six arrested under the ISA in April 2001 for planning to topple the government through militant means, a charge which they have denied.

Four were released on Sunday, upon expiry of their two-year detention order, while the other two are due for release on June 12.

Supporters present

Hishamuddin's bail was posted by his brother Nordin Rais and malaysiakini chief executive officer Premesh Chandran, while Keadilan supreme council member Low Chee Cheung and Suaram's Yap Swee Seng settled Tian's bail.

A crowd of about 100 people, including family members and opposition party leaders, were on hand to welcome the ex-detainees, who had been held on remand in prison since their release on Sunday from Kamunting.

The bail applications today were for charges relating to illegal assemblies in which the duo were alleged to have participated in 1999 and 2000.

Among other accusations, the duo were charged with gathering illegally in September 1999 outside the National Mosque in Kuala Lumpur to protest against the alleged arsenic poisoning of jailed ex-deputy prime minister Anwar Ibrahim in prison.

They were also charged for an illegal assembly in 2000 to protest against restrictions placed on the distribution of PAS organ Harakah . Hearing of their cases will resume later this year.

Yesterday, Tian was allowed RM5,000 bail by the Kulim magistrate's court in Kedah over charges of rioting and unlawfully detaining people alleged to be phantom voters during the 1999 Lunas by-election.

'Release the rest'

Speaking to the press after their court appearance, both Tian and Hishamuddin added to calls for the immediate release of all other ISA detainees.

"I am relieved, but there is still the danger of us going into prison. The (magistrates today) have only just given a delay," said Tian.

"The ISA is also still around and there are more than 100 persons still being detained."

He also said his detention had not intimidated him, adding that the release "has partially proven that we were right and that we were not engaged in any criminal activities".

Hishamuddin said the ISA should be repealed as it is being used unjustly.

"There are many more people still detained under these laws. The ISA has to be repealed and put in the graveyard," he said.

"With this law still in place, you can be detained for any reason. This is ridiculous."

According to the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia, more than 100 individuals are currently being detained under ISA.