Vigil organiser appeals for help to pay RM62k in compounds

 

The organiser of a candlelight vigil for Covid-19 victims held last Thursday (Aug 19) is appealing for financial help for detained participants.

Last week, 31 vigil participants were hauled to a police station and later compounded RM2,000 each, bringing the collective total to RM62,000.

In a statement today, Sekretariat Solidariti Rakyat (SSR) hoped members of the public would help ease the burden.

“We ask for goodwill from Malaysians who love democracy to contribute and help the participants pay their compounds,” it said. - Mkini

Fundraiser details can be obtained here.

“The secretariat is discussing with a few of our lawyer friends regarding what action to take and we do not discount the possibility of suing the police for unconstitutional arrest and for not allowing detained participants access to legal representation,” SSR added.

Yesterday, a number of the 31 youths lodged police reports alleging unlawful detention and a denial of rights by the police against them during the vigil.

In response, the police questioned some of the youths plus their lawyers.

Multiple rights groups have criticised the rough manner in which the police treated the 31 youths during the vigil.

One of the youths - PSM central committee member Chong Yee Shan - said she sustained physical injuries allegedly after five officers lifted and dragged her into a police vehicle.

She has since lodged a police report over the incident.

The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) said denying detainees access to legal representation was a violation of Articles 5 and 10 of the Federal Constitution.

The commission also urged the police to recognise the rakyat’s right to peaceful assembly. - Mkini