After the United States had expressed concern over the arrest of the daughter of jailed opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim, the European Union said it is also following the matter intently.

 

"We have been following closely developments leading to the overnight detention and investigation of (Lembah Pantai) MP Nurul Izzah (Anwar). 

 

"Freedom of expression, as well as independence of the judiciary and the rule of law, are essential features of a democratic system and need to be upheld. 

 

"Trust in the administration of justice is a key element of a democratic society," said a spokesperson for the European Union High Representative in a statement today.

 

Yesterday, the US state department said it was concerned over the arrest and added that restricting freedom of expression would only lead to an erosion of Malaysia's democratic system.

Nurul was on Monday arrested after voluntarily going to the Dang Wangi district police headquarters.

 

Police had summoned her to take her statement on her involvement in the Kita Lawan rally on March 7 which was to protest Anwar's jailing, but subsequently arrested her on a separate offence.

 

She was arrested under the Sedition Act for her speech made in Parliament on behalf of her father.

 

Anwar is serving a five-year jail sentence in Sungai Buloh Prison after the Federal Court upheld his sodomy conviction.

 

The Opposition leader maintains the charge is politically motivated. Nurul in her speech had hit out at the judiciary on the sentencing.

 

Suaram decries dragnet

 

Meanwhile, human rights group Suaram decried the crackdown on opposition politicians and activists following the Kita Lawan protest.

 

Suaram program coordinator Serene Lim said a total of 10 new sedition probes have been initiated by police since the protest in Kuala Lumpur which drew some 10,000 people.

 

Furthermore, she added nine others are being probed for their direct involvement in the Kita Lawan rally.

 

"Suaram reiterates that there are absolutely no legitimate grounds for the investigation of those allegedly involved in the #Kita Lawan rally under Section 134 of the Penal Code and Peaceful Assembly Act," she said.

 

Lim added the ongoing crackdown does not inspire confidence in the government’s promise that it will not abuse mooted anti-terrorism laws to curb dissent.

 

The Prevention of Terrorism Act is expected to allow detention without trial.