Cops to charge Bersih attendees who made ‘false reports’

By Shannon Teoh

July 25, 2011

Police detain Bersih supporters during the rally in Kuala Lumpur July 9, 2011. — Reuters pic

KUALA LUMPUR, July 25 — Police today vowed to charge individuals who made false reports against the force after the July 9 Bersih rally, just days after it unveiled video clips to back Bukit Aman’s assertion that it showed restraint in the face of provocation by demonstrators.

Deputy criminal investigation director for federal police Datuk Acryl Sani Abdullah Sani said in a statement today that false police reports fell under Section 182 of the Penal Code.

“If investigations find that the matter that was reported is untrue, then police will not hesitate to act,” he said.

Acryl Sani added that police have received seven reports alleging police brutality so far, including those made by PAS deputy president Mohamad Sabu and Opposition Leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim’s bodyguard.

The latter claimed that his cheekbone was fractured after being hit by a tear gas canister while Mohamad said he was rammed by a police SUV.

However, police released video clips last Thursday to refute the PAS leader’s claims and further blamed marchers, including PKR vice president Chua Tian Chang, for charging at riot police during the rally for free and fair elections.

The Malaysian Insider reported last Wednesday that Bersih organisers and independent observers have yet to be called by police to record their statements or give evidence.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said today that they would be given their say before the inquiry into the July 9 march was completed.

“We cannot have results immediately but will have to take into account police reports and the various memorandums that have been submitted,” the Sembrong MP said.

“We are in the process of completing investigations and will present the investigation papers to the Attorney General soon,” Acryl Sani added today.

The ruling Barisan Nasional (BN) coalition has been on the defensive over the rally as international media from Singapore to the UK criticised the government’s handling of publicdissent.

Bersih claimed that 50,000 people showed up for its rally despite efforts to prevent the gathering from taking place. Police said there were 6,000.

The protest turned chaotic when police fired tear gas and water cannons at demonstrators, resulting in nearly 1,700 arrests, scores injured and the death of former military man Baharuddin Ahmad, 59.

The government has promised to investigate allegations of police brutality while the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) will hold a separate public inquiry into police conduct during the rally.