The organisers of this Saturday’s Kita Lawan protest insist it is their right to gather in downtown Kuala Lumpur.

The group will be holding a rally outside Sogo mall to demand for jailed Opposition Leader Anwar Ibrahim’s freedom and for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak to step down.

They have told participants to gather at 3pm at either Central Market, Masjid Jamek, or at the PAS headquarters on Jalan Raja Laut before moving to Sogo.

“That is our right, it is not for (the police) to decide what is our right. The decision that we made the other day to (rally) at Sogo stands,”" one of the Kita Lawan coordinators, Fariz Musa ( right ), told Malaysiakini .

Fariz gave his assurance that the protest would be a peaceful one, and he hoped the police would cooperate with them.

“From our past experience, nothing bad will happen - unless there is provocation,” he said.

However, Dang Wangi police chief Zainol Samah told Malaysikini that Sogo mall is off limits to the protesters.

“Even though they want to exercise their right under Article 10 of the constituion, there are procedures. We have specific laws regarding assemblies, and they have to follow,” Zainol said.

He added that Sogo’s management has also lodged a police report to stop the rally from being held there.

As such, Zainol hopes the Kita Lawan organisers would consider holding the rally at alternative venues, such as Stadium Merdeka, Padang Merbok, or the Sultan Sulaiman Club.

“If they hold it at those places, it won’t disturb traffic and we will help facilitate (the rally) and take care of traffic, and the safety of those who attend,” he said

Asked whether there would be any arrests should the rally at Sogo proceed, he said action would only be taken against “those who break the law”.

“The police force exists to protect lives and property, so that is our priority,” Zainol said.

At a previous Kita Lawan rally on Feb 21, police arrested Fariz and activist Adam Adli Abdul Halim after the duo gave speeches outside the Sogo mall.

PKR Youth chief Nik Nazmi Nik Ahmad evaded arrest, only to be nabbed at his home later that day.

The Kita Lawan organisers expect 5,000 to 10,000 people to join Saturday’s rally.

Besides demanding Anwar’s release, the protest will also call for Prime Minister Najib to resign for his failure as the country’s leader.