GENEVA - UN human rights experts expressed concern on Friday about a one-year jail term handed to a Malaysian human rights campaigner who was found guilty of publishing false claims of abuse at an immigration camp.

"Irene Fernandez is highly respected, both nationally and internationally, for her commitment and integrity as a human rights defender," they said in a statement.

The veteran rights activist was charged on Thursday under Malaysia's strict media laws for malicious publication of false news after releasing a report in 1994 detailing beatings and sex attacks against detainees by immigration camp guards.

Call for review

Ambeyi Ligado, the UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of the right to freedom of expression, and Hina Jilani, the UN Special Representative on human rights defenders, urged a review of the case.

Fernandez, through her work for the Tenaganita advocacy group, addressed human rights concerns on such things as health and domestic violence, the UN experts said.

The Malaysian magistrate released Fernandez on bail pending an appeal to the High Court.

Fernandez was arrested in March 1996. The charge allows for a fine of RM20,000 (US$5,200), three years in jail, or both.

The US-based rights organisation Human Rights Watch (HRW) has also urged the Malaysian government to free Fernandez. - AFP