The Human Rights Commission will look into the allegations of cruelty suffered by the demonstrators who were detained at the "Black 14" gathering held at the National Mosque on April 15.

Commission chairman Musa Hitam told reporters today that while it realises the political reality in Malaysia and the Malaysian way of doing things, the commission believes demonstrations "need not be confrontational and viewed negatively".

"The commission holds certain views on people's right to assemble, which it would present to the authorities.

"All parties can agree on an understanding that there must be a better way to express themselves," Musa said.

About five 'Black 14' protesters had complained that they were beaten after being arrested by the police. One told the magistrate last week that he suffered a head wound but was denied medication.

According to Musa, the commission is set up to promote, advise and assist the government on issues pertaining to human rights, but it is not an enforcement agency.

Musa was speaking at a press conference after the commission's first meeting at the Foreign Ministry where the office of the country's newly-established commission is located. The commission's 13 members were also granted an audience by the Agong this morning.

Musa added that besides the complaint by demonstrators at the the "Black 14" event, two other complaints received so far are from the "Save Ourselves" (SOS) leaders who were detained in conjunction with an demonstration relating to repeal of rent control in Penang, and a "complaint regarding a minister".

However, he declined to elaborate on the complaint involving the minister.

"A proper channel will be formulated to receive future complaints, which the commission will study and make a judgement if there is a prima facie case," Musa said.

Other tasks ahead of the commission are to educate and sensitise the public on human rights issues in the long term, and tackle some recurrent problems in the short term, he added.

Meanwhile, Musa said the commission welcomes regular dialogues with all interested groups and citizens, starting with a meeting he would extend to three established human rights NGOs - Suaram, Aliran and Hakam - planned for May 15.

These meetings are to be held in the true spirit of a dialogue and to promote understanding on both sides, he said, adding that other groups who wished to be invited could contact the commission, outlining their areas of emphasis.

Musa also said the commission's first meeting decided on the formation of four working groups, tasked with (1) promoting awareness on human rights issues; (2) advising and assisting the government on human rights legislation; (3) recommending to the government on international treaties and participation on human rights activities, and (4) investigating human rights complaints.