A group monitoring online gender-based violence has highlighted several violations of a minor's privacy by the police and media on the recent arrest and detention of a teenage girl in Pasir Gudang, Johor, for alleged indecent behaviour with a 22-year-old man.
Kryss Network said it is important to remember that a minor’s right to privacy applies before, during and post-trial, and in this case, irresponsible actions by police and media exposed the girl to online gender-based violence.
"The irresponsible actions of both the authorities and media platforms can expose the minor to harassment, sexual harassment, doxing, dogpiling and even violence that can extend into physical spaces.
"The blurring lines between the online and offline spaces would mean that the minor will be continuously exposed to harm and attacks even beyond formal procedures," said the group in a statement to Malaysiakini.
"Given her pictures were widely circulated, the chances of her identity being exposed are higher.
"This can have potentially destructive consequences where the child will suffer long-term psychological trauma having to endure shame, isolation, ridicule and deteriorating self-confidence," they said.
Further, Kryss Network said the teenager is at risk of physical harassment and stalking if her private information was exposed.
The couple were detained on Thursday (April 6) over a video clip shared online which depicted them in a compromising position in a car at a parking lot in Pasir Gudang.
They spent a night in detention and the police obtained a two-day remand order to probe them under Section 377D of the Penal Code for "gross indecency".
While Seri Alam district police chief Mohd Sohaimi Ishak denied “parading” the teenager in handcuffs, some raised concerns over the welfare of the teenager following heavy press attention and police conduct.
On the alleged video that went viral, Kryss Network noted that it will remain on the internet with the potential to resurface in future and cause trauma for the teenager.
Seri Alam police so far said they are probing all aspects of the case, including individuals allegedly responsible to record and upload a video of the couple.
'Moral policing unhealthy'
In urging authorities to apprehend those responsible to record the video, Kryss Network said moral policing has resulted in unhealthy and harmful voyeurism and vigilantism that further violate the rights of the child.
"We must closely monitor vigilante activities, especially with its rising presence in Malaysia.
"Are they really beneficial to the community or are they a group to be fearful of?
"They also capitalise on hate in the form of disinformation and misinformation which enables violence and aggression towards the parties involved, especially in online spaces.
"Most of the time, their actions and activities are not supported by evidence nor allowed in the eyes of the law," said the group.
Since their release, the couple had last week sought help from Tebrau MP and lawyer Jimmy Puah, claiming that the individuals who accosted them were posing as police officers.
On Saturday, Puah said two individuals who allegedly uploaded a video clip of the couple allegedly followed them, threatened them and demanded to see their identity cards. - Mkini
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