Details pertaining to “selective persecution” of six civil society members and opposition politicians through the use of sedition and public assembly laws were highlighted in the United Nations recently.

NONE During the 23rd session of the UN's Human Rights Council (UNHRC) in Geneva, human rights group Suaram, on behalf of Penang-based NGO Aliran, highlighted how the Sedition Act 1948 and Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 (PAA) were used “with great prejudice to stifle all protests against a tainted general election”.

This, according to a statement from Suaram executive director Nalini Elumalai ( right ), was highlighted to UN Special Rapporteur on the promotion and protection of Freedom of Opinion and Expression, Frank La Rue.

Nalini was referring to, among others, the arrests and subsequent prosecution of student activists Adam Adli Abdul Halim and Safwan Anang, Anything But Umno (ABU) chief Haris Ibrahim, PKR vice-president Tian Chua , PAS member Tamrin Ghafar and veteran activist Hishamuddin Rais for sedition last month.

NONE She also spoke of the detention of 18 people who had been part of a candlelight vigil held in a show of support for Adam Adli.

Nalini said the UN was also briefed on political violence, the “injustice” of Section 114A of the Evidence Act 1950, and purported cases of May 5 electoral fraud.

These were among several issues that the NGO aimed to highlight in Geneva on the infringment of the “ democratic rights ” of Malaysians.

Even so, Nalini said, Suaram was encouraged to learn that the Malaysian government had extended an invitation to the UN Special Rapporteur on Peaceful Assembly Maina Kiai to visit Malaysia, and said the NGO would press the government for firm dates.