An Iraqi detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) has been on a hunger strike since Oct 8 to protest against his detention without trial, said a rights group.

According to the Abolish the ISA Movement (GMI), since starting the hunger strike, Iraqi national Sami Hammood Yaseen Al Kashish has been forced to undergo psychiatric evaluation.

“We received this information from our lawyers who visited the Kamunting detention camp on Oct 16.

“Sami had said that he was forced to see a psychiatrist and was sent to a mental institution.

NONE “He is frequently having breakdowns after speaking to his ailing mother, who cries profusely (during visitations), causing Sami more suffering,” said GMI president Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh ( left ).

According to Syed Ibrahim, Sami has tried to commit suicide by overdosing himself and that his weight had gone down by 6kg in 10 days.

Moreover, Syed Ibrahim said Sami’s situation is compounded by the fact that he has four children - the eldest being 18 years old - who need his support.

Syed Ibrahim also criticised Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein for refusing to release the remaining 29 people held under ISA detention, despite the law being repealed.

He added that the federal government should establish a reconciliation commission to investigate claims of abuse suffered by ISA detainees.

“Proper compensation must be accorded to the victims  - detainees and their families. This is the only way to right the wrongs of the ISA, which is a cruel law,” he said.