Summary

  • Human rights group Suaram expresses disappointment over the government's reluctance to abolish the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

  • Its executive director Sevan Doraisamy challenges government MPs who previously fought against Sosma to visit family members of 32 detainees, who are currently on hunger strike.

  • He urges the government to impose a moratorium on Sosma until amendments to the law are tabled in Parliament.

Suaram has challenged government MPs who previously championed the struggle to abolish the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) to meet the families of 32 Sosma detainees, who have launched a hunger strike since this morning.

Its executive director Sevan Doraisamy (above), during a press conference outside the Sungai Buloh Prisons Complex this afternoon, expressed his disappointment over the government's reluctance to repeal or amend the security laws, especially provisions that deny bail and allow for prolonged detention.

He said the family members of Sosma detainees had to organise a protest due to Putrajaya's failure.

"A proposal to amend (Sosma) has been presented to the cabinet. It has been two years but why nothing has been done until today?

"What are the ministers doing? You already know that there are issues with this law, but why do you still allow the authorities to use it without any restraint?

"So, we ask the government to impose a moratorium on Sosma until they table the amendments in the Parliament, " he said.

Several demands

Sevan was at the entrance of the prison complex to visit the protesters, who made several demands to the government regarding Sosma.

Among others, they have prepared a memorandum urging the abolishment of the law and the release of the detainees, who have been kept at the prison since last year pending trial.

Sevan said they wanted to see which MP would come to listen to the group's grouses.

"We call all MPs who have fought for this issue before to come here and speak for the people.

"Be brave and speak up. Do not hide behind the Madani government," he added.

READ MORE: Your KiniGuide to Security Offences (Special Measures) Act

Sevan also criticised the authorities for erecting barbed wire barricades at the roads leading to the prison entrance, which forced the protesters to sit on a small patch of ground close to a busy road.

He described it as an act to bully the group from expressing their views.

Family of 32 Sosma detainees launch hunger strike in front of Sg Buloh Prison

Family of 32 Sosma detainees launch hunger strike in front of Sg Buloh Prison

Suaram raises plight of 32 Sosma detainees to Suhakam

Suaram raises plight of 32 Sosma detainees to Suhakam

Suaram calls for dedicated human rights ministry

Suaram calls for dedicated human rights ministry