Bersih calls for end to 'intimidation' of activists

Summary

• Bersih says in solidarity with Suaram, Fahmi Reza over police intimidation.

• Lawyers for Liberty calls out government’s “hypocrisy” on protecting freedom of expression.

Electoral reform watchdog Bersih has expressed solidarity with civil society groups and activists under intimidation for exercising their freedom of speech and expression.

Specifically, Bersih referred to alleged actions against Suaram’s three-day “Ruang Khas” exhibition in Penang on deaths and torture in police custody, as well as the latest probe against graphic designer Fahmi Reza.

“These intimidations and investigations of activists show how authorities have day by day oppressed and narrowed civil society spaces.

“Is this the spirit of reformasi and freedom proclaimed by the Madani government? Are the people no longer free to create and be critical of the government?” Bersih questioned.

“The Madani government should never forget that it is the people who have placed them on the pinnacles of power, and the people too can pull them down,” warned the coalition founded as a platform for some of Malaysia’s biggest rallies for reforms.

Oppressive moves

Yesterday, Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy said alleged intimidations include multiple visits by police at the event venue and monitoring by patrols.

Fahmi was summoned to Bukit Aman police headquarters for questioning over his graphic calling newly appointed Sabah governor Musa Aman as the state’s “number one corruptor”.

Separately, Lawyers for Liberty executive director Zaid Malek claimed the “farcical investigation” has served to expose the “hypocrisy” of the Pakatan Harapan-led administration.

“Anwar Ibrahim and the Madani government now mirror their predecessors in power by relentlessly threatening civil liberties.

“The investigation on Fahmi is consistent with the Madani government’s other oppressive actions such as strengthening existing draconian laws,” he claimed.

“If they truly believe that expression critical of power should be protected as they periodically claim, then the government must immediately halt all criminal investigations on Fahmi Reza for his satirical artwork as well as take immediate steps to repeal the Sedition Act and Section 233 of the CMA.

“The time for talk is over. Walk the talk,” stressed Zaid.

Earlier today, Bangi MP Syahredzan Johan called on the government to impose a moratorium on investigations and charges under Section 233, while awaiting the royal assent process, gazette notification, and the determination of the effective date for the amendments.

Fahmi yesterday criticised the Harapan-led government for not keeping its promise to repeal Section 233 of the CMA, and failure to live up to its assurances that satire and parodies were protected under new amendments to Section 233 of the CMA.

Yesterday, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim reaffirmed that art must have the freedom to flourish, including forms critical of the authorities, as part of building a progressive nation.

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