A group of Taiwanese non-governmental organisations representing labour unions and women workers has written appeal letters calling for the release of the 10 reformasi activists held under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Coordinator of the group, Wang Fang-Ping, expressed regret over the use of ISA, which allows detention without trial.

"If the detainees are being held without any valid charges, we seek their immediate release. If they have been charged, bring them immediately before a competent and impartial tribunal," said the letter of appeal.

It added that the detainees should be given their right to legal counsel at all times, in conformity with the international human rights standards.

The group, Committee of Action for Labour Legislation, Solidarity Front of Women Workers and Information Center for Labour Education, had written to Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and Deputy Prime Minister and Minister of Home Affairs Abdullah Ahmad Badawi on May 5.

Similar letters have also been sent to de facto Law Minister Dr Rais Yatim, Human Rights Commission chairperson Musa Hitam and police chief Norian Mai.

Militant tactics

The police arrested seven reformasi activists on April10 and 11 for allegedly wanting to topple the government by militant tactics and daily street demonstrations.

Keadilan vice-president Tian Chua, party Youth leaders Mohamad Ezam Mohd Nor, Saari Sungib, Abdul Ghani Haroon and N Gobalakrishnan were among the initial seven arrested. The other two were Free Anwar Campaign (Freeanwar.com) director Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin and social activist-cum- malaysiakini columnist Hishamuddin Rais.

Two other Keadilan leaders, Dr Badrul Amin Baharom and Lokman Adam, were arrested a week later while human rights activist Badaruddin Ismail was detained on April 25.

The Taiwanese NGOs also urged the authorities to allow lawyers and families of the detainees visitation rights.

"This is to ensure their well-being and safety," said the letter of appeal.

Since last Thursday, family members have been allowed to visit some of the detainees.