Human rights watchdog Suaram has urged the authorities to drop charges against five individuals who arrested over a protest against the construction of electricity pylons in their Cheras Hartamas.

Suaram executive director D Sevan said the charges of obstructing public officials from discharging their duties were unwarranted and frivolous.

"How did the 'public officials' in question justify that they were obstructed in discharging their duties?

"What is the 'duty' in question and how were they obstructed when the 'duty' does not exist?

"As such, the charge which suggest that they obstructed a public official’s duty can only be described as frivolous and illogical," he said in a statement today.

Sevan said despite the "curious" circumstances of their prosecution, they were still required to post bail of RM3,000 per person.

"Suaram calls for the charges against these individuals to be dropped immediately as there are no merits.

"Furthermore, Suaram calls on the Selangor government to explore all avenues of redress available for the community affected by the construction of high voltage pylons around the residential area of Cheras Hartamas," he said.

Yesterday, Liong Chee Chew, 45, Yap Ah Tai, 67, Lam Guan Loong, 34, Yim Ah Ming, 53, and Tan Teck Chye, 44, claimed trial to the charge of jointly obstructing a public officer from performing his duties following the installation of Tenaga Nasional Berhad pylons at Jalan Cheras Hartamas 1, Taman Cheras Hartamas, Bukit Sungai Puteh, Hulu Langat at about 10am, on Aug 9.

If convicted, they could face up to two years imprisonment, or a fine, or both.