Malaysians Against Death Penalty and Torture (Madpet) has called for the release of those in remand detention.
In a statement today, it said that the release of detainees would not affect ongoing investigations, and they can still be charged in court.
“If Zamri Vinoth has yet to be released, then Madpet calls for Zamri (above) and others in remand to be released, more so as Hari Raya is approaching, and investigation officers may be on leave and not available to conduct investigations that require personal attendance of suspects at this time,” said Madpet's Charles Hector.
Zamri, 41, was arrested in Kangar, Perlis, on March 27 and detained under Section 4(1) of the Sedition Act 1948 and Section 233 of the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998.
Investigations into Zamri relate to his Facebook posts regarding the relocation of the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple in Kuala Lumpur, with his remand aimed at assisting probes into allegations of insulting religion and disturbing public order.
Inspector-General of Police Razarudin Husain confirmed that Zamri was remanded for two days starting March 28.
Public debate
The issue of the relocation of the temple has sparked public debate, with authorities emphasising strict action against any statements that threaten religious harmony and public order.
The controversy began when news broke of plans to demolish the Dewi Sri Pathrakaliamman temple to make way for a mosque.
Commenting further, Charles said remand detention should be rarely wielded as a tool for investigation, as it can be perceived as a form of pre-trial punishment.
“Why should an alleged suspect be kept in police custody for the purpose of investigations, possibly having to spend most of the time being detained in a police lock-up, whose conditions are bad, and there have been too many cases of alleged torture and even death in police custody in Malaysia.
“We recall that there have been many who were not remanded, or even arrested for the purpose of investigation, but were charged in court, tried and even convicted, as happened in the case of ex-prime minister Najib Abdul Razak.
“Is arrest-remand-free investigation just for the elites and upper class?” he said.
Remand detentions should be used in exceptional situations, such as with suspects who are flight risks and those who may tamper with evidence or witnesses, he added.
He further called for an end to abuse of power through unnecessary arrests and remand detentions.
Besides that, he called for the enactment of a law that compensates those who were wrongly arrested and remanded.
Charles also urged for the non-interference of executive powers in the administration of criminal justice. - Mkini
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