Suhakam has expressed dismay and concern over the lodging of a police report by Kangar police chief Wari Kiew against Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) executive director Sevan Doraisamy (above).
Calling it a form of harassment against human rights defenders, Suhakam said that if left unchecked, it could have a chilling effect on the future.
"(The move) may create a chilling effect in which future whistleblowers or activists self-censor or restrain themselves from fully exercising their right to freedom of expression in fear of threats of legal sanctions," Suhakam said in a statement today.
"Being able to realise their work in championing victims of human rights abuses without fear of interference, intimidation, abuse, threat, violence, reprisal or undue restriction is vital to their ability to operate," it added, citing the United Nations Declaration on Human Rights Defenders.
Wari Kiew lodged a report claiming defamation after Suaram held a media conference in which Sevan alleged that the police had wrongfully detained and tortured a father and son in the district last month.
During the press conference, Sevan said that Pukalanthee Rajoo and his son, Linggeswaran were arrested on Sept 21 after a girl, who was suspicious of the presence of the duo in the area, lodged a police report.
Following the arrest, Sevan claimed that the duo was kept in the lockup for four days without bail, and were tortured, while the police only purportedly explained the reason behind the detention on the second day.
Suhakam said it was encouraged by IGP Abdul Hamid Bador’s announcement that Suaram's allegations will be investigated.
"Suhakam, therefore, urges the Kangar police chief not to take further action against Suaram and to allow for investigations into the allegations made by Suaram to proceed to completion," it said. - Mkini
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