Penang C4 activist arrested last night released on police bail

Penang Center to Combat Corruption and Cronyism (C4) activist K Sudhagaran Stanley was arrested by the police last night, though his lawyer RSN Rayer said he still cannot confirm why he was arrested.

However, a voice message purportedly from Sudhagaran which is circulating on social media claimed that he is being arrested over his recent Facebook posts related to the movement control order (MCO).

“I am not really sure why he was arrested. I can’t really confirm that (he was arrested due to his Facebook posts).

Rayer later told Malaysiakini that Sudhagaran is being investigated under the Sedition Act but is now out on police bail.

Sudhagaran, 35, is the northern region coordinator for the C4.

Meanwhile, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), in a statement, condemned the nighttime raid and calls for Sudhagaran’s release.

The organisation also called on Inspector-General of Police Abdul Hamid Bador to review internal police policies that “allows such absurd practices”.

“Suaram has documented late-night arrests against individuals for an alleged offence under the Sedition Act 1948 and a myriad of other draconian laws throughout the years. In more recent years, the process has evolved further with the Royal Malaysian Police taking those arrested across state borders for investigation.

“Such actions by the police are illogical and reprehensible as it is a clear attempt of intimidation and harassment, especially when the individuals detained are not criminals but activists or political opponents,” said executive director Sevan Doraisamy in the statement.

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