Suhakam to probe complaints of cops intimidating families of LTTE-linked suspects

Suhakam is launching an investigation into claims that the police’s Special Branch officers have allegedly threatened and intimidated the families of three LTTE-linked suspects.

This was after the human rights watchdog Suaram sent a memorandum today to Suhakam to highlight the issues. It urged Suhakam to advise the government to abolish the controversial Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).

In the memorandum, Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy had listed several incidences of threats and intimidations faced by the families and friends of Gadek assemblyperson G Saminathan, Malacca Green Technology Incorporated chief executive officer S Chandru and DAP member V Sureshkumar.

This includes the police’s alleged attempts to prevent a candlelight vigil by threatening to detain the family members if they proceeded; the threats against Saminathan’s aide, known as Jaya, to get her to retract any posting about the solidarity activities in her Facebook and warning her not to viral any article or information concerning the 12 suspects; and a claim that a police officer had contacted Saminathan’s wife and sought bribes in exchange for her husband’s release.

“Since the detention of Saminathan, Chandru and Suresh Kumar, their family members and friends were often intimidated and threatened by cops, especially from the Special Branch.

“This caused worries and discomfort (tidak tenang) to the family members. We want Suhakam to quickly investigate this matter and urge the government to stop the intimidation and threats which violate human rights,” the memorandum reads.

Asked on the next step to be taken by Suhakam, its commissioner Jerald Joseph (photo) told Malaysiakini that they would get more details from the victims.

“I received the memorandum today. So we will investigate that (allegations). We will be interviewing the family members in the next few days because that shouldn’t happen.

“The police’s work is to investigate. If they need any information they can ask directly. Otherwise, there is no reason to keep tailing them everywhere they go as this makes them uncomfortable. It’s not necessary,” said Joseph.

He added that upon obtaining details from the victims, Suhakam will interview the police officers who are said to have been involved in the intimidation before sending the recommendations to the relevant authorities, such as the Home Ministry and the inspector-general of police. 

Malaysiakini has contacted Bukit Aman Special Branch Counter-Terrorism Division (E8) deputy director-general Ayob Khan Mydin Pitchay for a response.

Other than the trio, there were nine others, including another DAP assemblyperson, who were arrested under Sosma over the alleged links to LTTE.

If found guilty, all 12 accused could face life sentences under Section 130J of the Penal Code.

Meanwhile, Joseph also said Suhakam is engaging the government in its process of reviewing Sosma.

“I think the government is now in the process of reviewing Sosma as they promised.

“So we are also engaging the government. We will update our call on what has to be taken out in the next few months before the next parliament seating,” he said.

Harapan in its election manifesto did not promise to repeal Sosma altogether but rather "to abolish draconian provisions in the following acts" which included Sosma, the Prevention of Terrorism Act 2015 (Pota), the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, the Communications and Multimedia Act 1998, as well as the Penal Code governing peaceful assembly and activities harmful to democracy.

However, in July last year, several months after Harapan won the general election, Prime Minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad said that the government would repeal oppressive laws, including Sosma.

 - Mkini