Human rights group Amnesty International has urged the government to drop charges of illegal gathering against seven university students who may be jailed if found guilty.

"Amnesty International expressed concern that the charges violate the rights of freedom of expression, assembly and association and called for the charges against the students to be dropped," the London-based group said in a statement.

The seven students were arrested in June 2001 for participating in a peaceful protest against the draconian Internal Security Act, which allows indefinite detention without trial.

Double injustice

The trial of the seven, who are on bail, resumed Monday after a number of postponements. If found guilty, they face fines and up to one year in jail.

Amnesty said the right to freedom of opinion and expression, and peaceful assembly and association were enshrined in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights (UDHR).

"As a member state of the international community, Malaysia has acknowledged and is bound by the UDHR and thus must interpret, apply and amend its laws in a manner that demonstrates respect for these rights," it said.

The students have been unable to continue their studies as they were suspended from university after being charged.

"These seven students are not only being charged for exercising their freedoms, they are also being denied access to education, thus becoming victims of double injustice," Amnesty said. - AFP