Assaulted journos hand petition to PM

G Vinod | May 15, 2012
They say Suhakam, with its powers and resources, should be the body investigating violence during the Bersih 3.0 rally
PUTRAJAYA: A newly formed committee of journalists has asked the government to allow Suhakam to investigate the violence that occurred during the Bersih 3.0 rally.
The committee’s spokesman, veteran journalist Gobind Rudra, said Suhakam had the powers and resources to conduct the probe.
“Besides, Suhakam has no vested interest in the matter,” he told reporters after delivering a petition to the Prime Minister, which was received by the latter’s press secretary.
More than 4,000 people signed the petition, which calls for action against policemen who assaulted journalists during the April 28 rally.
Rudra was accompanied to the PM’s office by several journalists who said they were among those who suffered assault and battery.
Last week, Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein announced that former inspector-general of police Hanif Omar would head a panel to investigate the violence.
Rudra said the formation of Hanif’s panel did not meet the call for an independent investigative body.
“The panel’s powers are not defined,” he said. “Besides, having a former IGP lead the investigation raises concerns over the panel’s impartiality.”
Among Rudra’s companions today was reporter Radzi Abdul Razak of the Sun, who said he was battered by seven policemen during the rally.
He said he was concerned that journalists were feeling threatened with acts violence for doing their job.
“We don’t hate the police, but we want our profession to get the respect it deserves,” he added.
Wong Onn Kin, a photographer with Guang Ming, said he only wanted justice for the assault he suffered.
“I’m sad that the police did this to me,” he said.
Rudra said that he would advise the journalists who suffered assault to file a class action suit against the police and the Home Ministry should the government fail to dispense justice.

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