Cops confirm 2 detained over US Embassy protest, one officer injured

Summary

• Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus confirms two protesters had been arrested during the demonstration outside the US embassy earlier today.

• Fadil also says one of his officers was assaulted during the commotion.

• However, several rights groups claim that the police failed to manage the situation properly, claiming some even instigated the commotion.

The police confirmed that two individuals were arrested for alleged obstruction during the rally outside the US embassy in Kuala Lumpur today.

According to Kuala Lumpur police chief Fadil Marsus, one of his personnel also got injured during the scuffle after allegedly being assaulted by a protester.

“At 12pm today, about 50 people launched a protest outside the US embassy. The situation became tense after some of them blocked the traffic in Jalan Tun Razak, near the embassy.

“While handling the situation, one of our officers suffered an injury to his mouth after getting elbowed by a protester.

“Hence, we arrested two Malay individuals, aged between 23 and 32, for obstructing police officers in carrying out their duties,” he said in a statement today.

Fadil added that they are investigating the matter under Section 186 of the Penal Code, which carries a fine of RM10,000, imprisonment for up to two years, or both.

The demonstration was held after the Israeli navy intercepted and detained several activists from the Global Sumud Flotilla earlier this morning.

According to Bernama, Sumud Nusantara Command Centre (SNCC) reported that the boat Morgana visually confirmed the interception of Alma, while Sirius received a mayday signal and visual confirmation from Grande Blue. However, neither boat received an SOS signal.

Earlier, SNCC also reported that communication had been lost with nine Malaysians on four ships in the flotilla.

‘Release the protesters’

Several groups condemned the police for the arrests and urged the duo to be released.

“We also call on the Home Ministry to review police protocols and ensure that all officers adopt a facilitative, rights-based approach to managing assemblies,” they said in a joint statement today.

Among the signatories of the statement are Suaram, Amnesty International Malaysia, Justice for Sisters, and PSM.

Hurling brickbats at the police, they claimed the police did not disclose details on where the duo had been detained for nearly four hours.

“At the point of arrest, they were not informed where they would be taken and have been denied access to legal counsel, in breach of basic rights for arrested persons.

“It also remains unclear whether they have been given access to medical examination and treatment for the injuries sustained,” they added.

‘Cops at fault too’

As for the scuffle, the groups alleged that the police failed to manage the situation properly, adding that some personnel even instigated the scuffle.

They pointed out that embassy officials and the police blocked access, leaving protesters with no choice but to use the roads.

“Contrary to media reports, police are seen provoking the scuffle: a plainclothes Special Branch officer feigns being pushed by one of the arrestees while blocking him from rejoining fellow protesters.

“The second protester, seen attempting to de-escalate, was arrested nonetheless.”

The groups added: “Amid ongoing amendments to the Peaceful Assembly Act, the Madani government must ensure that assembly policing practices reflect - not undermine its commitment to reform.”

Malaysiakini was made to understand that the two protesters have since been released tonight, around 9.30pm.

A video of the two men being greeted by their supporters and friends outside the Wangsa Maju district police headquarters was shared with Malaysiakini by a PSM member.

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