The police have summoned four individuals in an ongoing probe on the Women’s March 2024, which was held on March 9 in conjunction with International Women’s Day.
Women’s March Malaysia (WMMY) 2024 as the rally organiser said the four individuals summoned to the Dang Wangi district police station tomorrow comprise one organising committee member, two participants, and a lawyer.
“While we comply with the law and will be present at IPD Dang Wangi tomorrow with our lawyers, we also question the repeated cycles of the police opening up investigations against those who exercised their right to a peaceful assembly,” said the committee in a statement today.
Dang Wangi police chief Noor Dellhan Yahaya previously told Malaysiakini that an investigation would be opened against the organisers under Section 15 of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012 for allegedly breaching conditions set by the police.
He also said the committee would be investigated under Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act 1955 for placards with “sensitive elements”.
The probe is also over alleged displays of “insulting behaviour” at the rally.
The WMMY committee, however, stressed that the right to freedom of speech and expression is protected under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution, along with the right to assemble peacefully and without arms.
“The WMMY committee took the necessary steps to inform relevant authorities and follow the rules and regulations in place prior to the march,” it said.
The committee also called for supporters to gather in solidarity outside the Dang Wangi police station at 2.30pm tomorrow.
The March 9 event saw some 200 participants walk from the Sogo shopping complex to Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, highlighting a range of topics.
Supporters held placards and shouted slogans on issues such as citizenship rights, LGBTQ+ rights, anti-violence against women, the climate crisis, Orang Asli rights, and equal wages for women.
International Women’s Day is marked every year on March 8 and similar rallies around the globe not only celebrate diversity but also raise awareness on various current issues. - Mkini
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