Excessive use of force by the police at the anti-toll hike protest in Cheras yesterday shows clear abuse of power and disregard of people's rights, said Amnesty International (AI) executive director Josef Roy.

In a statement today, he condemned the violence used during the peaceful demonstration and the 'unlawful arrest' of 21 people who were in the midst of leaving the scene.

The human rights watchdog said freedom of assembly and freedom from torture and inhumane treatment are inherent rights guaranteed in the Universal Declaration of Human Rights and the Federal Constitution.

The demonstration was organised by anti-toll hike organisation Protes - a coalition of opposition parties, civil society groups, trade unions and student groups

Among those arrested were Parti Keadilan Rakyat information chief Tian Chua, PAS leader Dr Hatta Ramli and DAP leader Ronnie Liu.

Four people were given outpatient treatment a the Kajang Hospital after sustaining injuries during the protest.

Roy also expressed serious concerns over the treatment of malaysiakini journalist Andrew Ong, whose camera was seized. He was taken to the Kajang police station but was released two hours later.

"AI views this action as seriously undermining the ability of the media to report an event without intimidation and interference," he said, urging the police to respect the duties and functions of journalists.

Roy pointed out that this incident highlights a pattern of human rights violation by the police since the release of the Royal Commission's recommendations for police reform.

"AI calls for a proper and full investigation into the incident by Suhakam (Human Rights Commission of Malaysia)," he added.

"We also call on the prime minister (Abdullah Ahmad Badawi) to immediately implement the proposed Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission Bill and other key (provisions) on human rights as recommended by the Royal Commission."

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