Give us access to minors held under Sosma, Suhakam urges cops

 The commission reiterates that children should not be held under the security law as this contravenes the Child Act 2001.

The children’s commissioners said Sosma provisions that provide for the detention of minors should be repealed by the government.

PETALING JAYA:

 Suhakam’s children’s commissioners have urged the police to grant them immediate access to three children detained under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

They reiterated that detaining minors under Sosma contravenes the Child Act 2001, particularly the provision which requires a child who is arrested to be brought before a Court for Children within 24 hours.

The three children’s commissioners said they had notified the police twice about their intention to visit the three children to ensure their rights were upheld while under detention.

“The commissioners express disappointment at the continued delay in allowing the office of the children’s commissioner to visit the children currently detained under Sosma, particularly when the police said they would adopt a prudent approach to ensure the identity, dignity and future of the three child suspects are protected.

“If such assurances are genuine, the office of the children’s commissioner should be granted immediate access to the children concerned without further delay,” they said in a statement.

They also reiterated that Sosma provisions that provide for the detention of children should be repealed entirely by the government.

Farah Nini Dusuki is chief children’s commissioner, while Adib Samuri and Zufar Yadi Brendan Abdullah are also commissioners.

Federal police had arrested six people last month for alleged involvement in Islamic State militant activities, including three under the age of 18.

Inspector-General of Police Khalid Ismail said the suspects allegedly planned attacks on police stations and public infrastructure, and had pledged allegiance to the terrorist group’s leader.

Khalid also said the arrests of the minors were carried out in accordance with Sosma while respecting their rights under the Child Act 2001 and the Convention on the Rights of the Child.  - FMT