49 sought over Bersih 3.0

The police today released photographs of 49 individuals whom they are seeking for further information on the Bersih 3.0 rally on Saturday.
At a press conference today, Kuala Lumpur police chief Mohmad Salleh said their statements are required to assist investigations into various criminal offences under the Penal Code.
Mohmad said that the 49 individuals should report to the nearest police stations as soon as possible.
He added that the police have received 258 police reports in connection with the rally from lawyers, journalists, protesters, business operators as well as police officers.
Asked if police officers  have come under scrutiny, following various claims of police brutality, Mohmad said none have been identified.

“There are no problems in investigating (them). That’s why we appeal to the public to come forward with any information they have,” he said.

Quizzed on eyewitness accounts on why several personnel on duty last Saturday did not have their names and police identification numbers pinned to their uniforms, he said: “Those uniforms are not like our regular uniforms... (but if) there were (without police officers without their identification displayed) we can trace them using facial recognition.”

However, when pressed further on a series of images depicting a traffic policeman aiming a pistol at protesters as well as other photographs and videos on police assaulting protesters,  Mohmad irritably replied: “Where is the proof? Show us. These are only allegations which must have proof.”

Saturday’s peaceful sit-in protest at Dataran Merdeka turned chaotic after the protesters breached police barricades cordoning of the historic square.

The authorities were criticised for their heavy-handedness as beside assaulting the protesters, journalists were also attacked and their equipment snatched for recording the incidents.

While inspector-general of police Ismail Omar had stressed that his personnel acted with full restraint, he added that not dispersing the gathering would have lead to far more terrible consequences.

The police had arrested 512 protesters including the elderly and detained several journalists. They were subsequently released.

Remand order against Rasah PKR deputy chief

However, the police arrested and obtained a three-days remand order for Rasah PKR deputy chief R Thangam, under Section 440 of the Penal Code for committing mischief during the protest, yesterday.

Section 440(a) states: “Whoever commits mischief while taking part in an unlawful assembly or in a riot shall be punished with imprisonment which may extend to five years, and shall also be liable to a fine”.

Mohmad said Thangam is believed to be the person who breached police barricades placed at Dataran Merdeka last week.