500 gather to protest 100-day Sosma detention of LTTE-linked suspects
Some 500 people gathered last night in Kuala Lumpur despite heavy rain to stand in solidarity with 12 suspects detained without trial under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 for alleged links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a now-defunct Sri Lankan rebel group.
The gathering, organised by human rights group Suaram, was in conjunction with the 100th day of detention of the 12 which includes Gadek assemblyperson G Saminathan and Seremban Jaya assemblyperson P Gunasekaran.
Some 500 people gathered last night in Kuala Lumpur despite heavy rain to stand in solidarity with 12 suspects detained without trial under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 for alleged links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), a now-defunct Sri Lankan rebel group.
The gathering, organised by human rights group Suaram, was in conjunction with the 100th day of detention of the 12 which includes Gadek assemblyperson G Saminathan and Seremban Jaya assemblyperson P Gunasekaran.
Assembling in front of the Sogo shopping centre, the supporters called for the repeal of Sosma and the release of the 12 individuals.
"Our gathering is to object in the strongest sense to the draconian act used on those accused of having links to a terror organisation which has not been functioning for almost 10 years.
"It is also to show our solidarity with all Sosma detainees who are still in prison even though their guilt has not been proven and the cases are still ongoing in court," said Suaram executive director D Sevan.
He claims the detention of the 12 was politically motivated.
Sevan said Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad, Home Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and the cabinet should fulfil Pakatan Harapan's manifesto to repeal provisions like Sosma that were draconian in nature.
"However, they have allowed the wanton use of Sosma," he said.
Earlier, the participants held a candlelight vigil and chanted "Abolish Sosma, release the detainees" (Mansuhkan Sosma, bebaskan tahanan).
The families of the detainees also participated in the gathering where they released 12 pigeons, each representing a detainee.
Among the political leaders present were Bukit Gelugor MP Ramkarpal Singh, Tapah MP M Saravanan, Batu MP P Prabakaran and former Bar Council president Ambiga Sreenevasan.
Others included assemblypersons Saari Sungib (Hulu Kelang), G Gunaraj (Sentosa), D Kamatchi (Sabai) and R Rajiv (Bukit Gasing).
Ambiga said she was surprised that it has been 100 days since they were detained.
"I met them last year and they asked me why this could happen under Pakatan Harapan. I couldn't answer them," she said.
MIC deputy president M Saravanan said his party decided to participate in the rally to protest the Sosma detentions.
In GE 15, Indian votes for PH SHOULD be ZERO. Let’s get this objective going. Let’s destroy this arrogant government.
More of these and PH gets to lose EVERYTHING!!!
Really cannot understand the logic on this matter. Should those supported declared terrorist organizations by any countries be detained as well. There will be long list of religion terrorist organization out there. ZN supported should be on the list too. Why so much of resources spent on this ridiculous case, worst with the special task force team with mask and machine gun. Are these detainees with strong weaponised support group behind? They are just an ordinary citizen (they don't even have a gun and maybe with spiritual support only) Time to vote against those play and stir this matter and also those keep silent on the matter Mahatir Muhidin LKS LGE Instead, PDRM should spend time and resources to track down those in scam calls, scam business, snatch thrives, etc. These are the real risks to ordinary citizen.
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