A freelance journalist and her seven-year-old daughter arrested for demonstrating outside the Burmese embassy in Kuala Lumpur on Monday were released on police bail yesterday and handed to the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees (UNHCR).

"The mother and daughter were released into the custody of the UNHCR at 5pm yesterday," Cheras district police headquarters investigating officer Cheah Chee Seng told malaysiakini today.

Contacted later, a UNHCR spokesperson said the duo were currently housed in a safe location.

"The mother and daughter were released on humanitarian grounds and have been placed in a location where they can be free and protected from harassment," he added.

Sein Mar and her daughter Suu Win Hming were among 21 Burmese pro-democracy activists who were arrested for staging a demonstration against a national convention held in Rangoon by the ruling military junta.

On Tuesday, the police obtained a 10-day remand order against the protestors. Yesterday, Cheah said they will be charged under Section 27(5) of the Police Act for unlawful assembly.

Negotiations underway

Meanwhile, the UNHCR spokesperson said negotiations were underway to secure the release of the other detainees.

"We are still trying our best to have them released. Usually if it is matters pertaining to immigration then we can appeal for leniency and intervene, but this is a matter of national laws so it is up to the judiciary and the courts.

"We have always advised them not to break laws," he added.

Malaysia is home to a large population of Burmese nationals, many of whom are brought in as manual workers. There are also a sizeable number of Burmese asylum seekers here.