For Amanah Youth vice-chief Shazni Munir Mohd Ithnin and former Solidariti Mahasiswa Malaysia (SMM) student activist Ahmad Shukri Kamarudin, who have been detained for sedition investigations, their night was illuminated by a candlelight vigil staged by over 40 supporters yesterday.

Participants began gathering across the street from the Dang Wangi police station at 8.15pm, every one of them carrying lit white candles and placards calling for the release of Shazni and Ahmad Shukri, as well as the abolishment of the controversial Sedition Act.

The usually serene sidewalk facing the police station became the scene of passionate chanting, speeches, poetry reading and singing.

Like a mantra, the supporters repeatedly bellowed proclamations such as “Freedom! Freedom! Free Shazni, free Shukri!”, “Abolish the Sedition Act!” and “Long live the rakyat!”

Organised by the Abolish The Sedition Act Movement (GHAH), the event reminded one of a scene from the 1995 Academy Award-winning film ‘Braveheart’, where the nostril-flaring Mel Gibson played a Scottish freedom fighter who delivered a rousing speech to inspire his countrymen to victory over their English oppressors.

Among the speakers who inspired the crowd that night were Lawyers for Liberty co-founder Eric Paulsen, Amanah Youth chief Mohd Sany Hamzan, Amanah Wanita representative Anfaal Saari, DAP Youth secretary Bryan Lew and PKR MP Tian Chua’s political secretary Rozan Azen Mat Rasip.

Amid the fiery speeches and crowd sat an elderly man holding a blazing candle. Despite his calm expression, his eyes blazed with a steely determination.

“I’ve always taken a stand against tyranny, regardless of who the oppressor is,” said the smiling 80-year-old Amanah supporter, who identified himself as Amjal.

“These youngsters (Shazni and Ahmad Shukri) need our support, which is why I’m here today,” added Amjal ( photo below ).

By 9.15pm, the speakers finished their speeches.

The crowd started to dwindle. Yet, some supporters were still lingering at the scene by 10pm – comrade-in-arms exchanging pleasantries and catching up with one another.

Judging from the participants’ ardent support, Shazni and Ahmad Shukri would not be alone in the journey to clear their names.

Yesterday, Amanah Youth leader Shazni was arrested by the Dang Wangi police under Section 124C of the Penal Code and Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act for reportedly saying BN could only be toppled through large-scale riots (an allegation that he had denied).

Meanwhile, the Magistrate's Court in Johor Baru extended the remand of Ahmad Shukri for an additional two days last afternoon. Ahmad Shukri had been detained by the police since April 1 for a 2014 sedition investigation.