Authorities taken to task for inaction over G25 rape threat
Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) has criticised the police for apparently not acting against a rape threat issued against G25 spokesperson Noor Farida Ariffin ( photo ).
"Any threats of violence against women, even made in cyberspace or in jest, must not be tolerated in any modern and civilised society.
"Turning a blind eye to such threatening or bullying behaviour encourages and normalises hostility and violence towards women," said LFL campaign coordinator Melissa Sasidaran.
"It is unacceptable and baffling why the authorities are not taking such threatening and bullying behaviour against women with the seriousness it deserves when they are so quick to act against social media comments when they are critical or deemed offensive against the government or its interests," she added.
The threat was issued by Facebook user Shahrul Nizam Ab Rahim in an apparent response to Noor Farida's stance against religious authorities raiding homes to crack down on khalwat (close proximity).
Shahrul said he would break into Noor Farida's home through her room and "try her".
Sasidaran said Shahrul can be investigated under Section 509 of the Penal Code for criminal intimidation and Section 509 for word or gesture intended to insult the modesty of a person.
She added that he can also be investigated under Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, which prohibits the improper use of network facilities to abuse, harass or threaten any person.
"We condemn all such threatening and bullying behaviour against women, including those made with a view to suppressing women’s right to speak up.
"Any disagreement on any issues - even controversial ones - should be debated and discussed, not threatened or bullied into silence," she said.
On Thursday, DAP Wanita leaders also lodged a police report against Shahrul in Penang for the threat.
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