Two human rights activists have cried foul over their arrest and detention in connection with a protest outside the Johor menteri besar's residence during the weekend.

The protest was held to call for action against the increasing crime rate in the state.

Suaram members See Siew Mun, 27 and Nyam Kee Han, 24, went to the protest to distribute leaflets highlighting the need to form the Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

However, the duo were arrested for allegedly participating in an illegal assembly and breaching the Sedition Act.

They were then taken to the Johor Selatan police district headquarters for questioning.

See and Nyam, who were freed on police bail Tuesday night, said they were told to report at the Johor magistrate's court next week.

Verbally abused

Siew described their arrest and detention as being unjust and asked for an explanation from Internal Security Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi and Inspector-General of Police Musa Hassan.

The activist also claimed that the police had only recorded her statement one day after her arrest.

"I feel hurt over what has happened and my detention had caused undue worries for my husband and parents," she said in a media statement.

Meanwhile, Nyam claimed that a police officer had verbally abused him and ordered him to strip.

"This is an abuse of power. Only with the setting up of the IPCMC can we ensure that such incidents do not recur," he said.

The activist also claimed that the police had raided his house without a warrant and seized his personal belongings, including a computer.

Suaram has also criticised the arrest.

"We are very disappointed. We feel that the police should focus their efforts on countering criminals instead of people who are trying to uphold justice," said the rights group in a statement.