Suaram urges police probe into activist injured in eviction row

Suaram has called for an immediate investigation into an incident where an activist suffered a bloodied face after being allegedly shoved by a government official in Perak, this morning.

Its executive director, Sevan Doraisamy, said all government officials, regardless of rank and mandate, have the responsibility to ensure they conduct their duties with fairness and integrity.

"This includes non-violence, as well as upholding rights, well-being, and welfare of the people whom they serve, including activists who tirelessly advocate for the most vulnerable and marginalised communities.

"We demand the police to immediately initiate investigations into the battery involved," Sevan (above) said in a statement today.

He was responding to the incident involving PSM activist Chong Yee Shan, who suffered injuries to her mouth and nose after being allegedly shoved by an officer from the Perak Land and Minerals Office (PTG) near a farm in Kanthan, Tambun.

According to PSM committee member R Karthiges, PTG officers had come to the location with bulldozers and excavators to evict six farmers, before a commotion erupted when the farmers and activists present attempted to stop the PTG officials.

This is when Chong was allegedly violently shoved until she fell and hurt herself, he claimed.

Elaborating, Sevan said since the incident happened in Tambun, which is Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim's constituency, the latter should also swiftly look into the legality of the forced eviction undertaken by the Land Registry Office, while engaging with the implicated farmers and other stakeholders.

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