Expletives meant for trolls, not Indian community: Palestine activist

Accused of using derogatory words to insult the Indian community, pro-Palestine activist M Mythreyar said he was targeting online trolls.

He said he could prove it in court if need be.

“If you look at the full TikTok video, I was replying to that particular group (trolls), not the entire Indian community.

“I have the proof and can produce it in court,” Mythreyar (above) told Malaysiakini.

Trolls refer to people who upload posts or comments online to provoke an argument, incite hate against a target, and may also urge others to join the attack. They often post anonymously in an attempt to escape responsibility.

On Aug 25, several Indian NGOs and MIC lodged police reports against a group allegedly spreading hate against the Indian community and Hinduism.

Quoting sources, The Star reported that the group, fashioning itself as a Tamil rights organisation, has four to five active members and leans towards a Tamil Nadu-based politician who advocates Tamil regional autonomy and nationalism.

Members of the group were accused of using expletives against Indians and Hindus, including Tamils who identify as Malaysian Indians.

The group said such Tamils were the children of prostitutes.

The news report also stated that the expletives were uttered by a man who went on a hunger strike to protest against the sale of Malaysia Airports Holdings Bhd (MAHB) shares to a company linked to Blackrock.

Among those lodging the police reports were the Global Human Rights Federation (GHRF), Malaysia Hindu Sangam, and Sungai Buloh Community Welfare Association.

‘Video edited, out of context’

Commenting on the matter, Mythreyar insisted that his TikTok video was taken out of context, with some parts being edited out.

The activist claimed that a group of trolls started harassing him during a live video session over his pro-Palestine stance.

“They condemned my pro-Palestinian stance. The group also put up my picture (during the hunger strike) and labelled it RIP (rest in peace).

“Look, this is my stand (being pro-Palestine) but if you disagree… just walk away,” said Mythreyar.

He added that he uploaded another video to explain why he was miffed at the time, yet police reports were lodged against him.

‘I regret my words’

Asked about his choice of words in taking on his alleged trolls, Mythreyar expressed regret.

“I was targeting the trollers. If it hurt anyone, I regret it, but please look at the full video.

“I have friends who are Malayalee, Telugu, and others.”

When contacted, GHRF secretary S Anbalagan said police reports were lodged in Kuala Lumpur, Johor, and Penang.

“I’m unsure of their (alleged hate group) motives and that’s why we urge the authorities to investigate the matter thoroughly.

“We cannot take this lightly as they even challenged the public to lodge police reports against them,” Anbalagan added.

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