Mass protest planned against police brutality

coalition of 50 NGOs is threatening to hold a mass protest against the police for failing to act against their officers for acts of brutality and causing deaths in custody.

MCPXThe demonstration venue is none other than the Bukit Aman federal police headquarters in Kuala Lumpur, while a date would be announced after the Bukit Selambau by-election.

Coalition spokesperson S Manikavasagam said the NGOs met on Wednesday and unanimously agreed that the demonstration was necessary.

"We don't want more death in custody cases to happen," said Manikavasagam, who is a member of the Police Watch and Human Rights Committee, a leading police watchdog.

"I know there are special branch officers around us. I want them to go to (Inspector-General of Police) Musa Hassan and tell him about this," he added, when met yesterday.

Manikavasagam was speaking to reporters after attending the Malaysian Medical Council hearing against a doctor who allegedly covered up the cause of death of police detainee A Kugan.

‘Never ending story'

Meanwhile, Police Watch coordinator S Jayathas described custodial deaths as a "never ending story" in Malaysia.

"Kugan died two months ago. Although the Attorney-General has classified the case as murder, thus far no one has been brought to justice," he said.

Jayathas points out that the police were however quick to take action against the public, such as peaceful demonstrators, but are slow to act on complaints against the police.

Manikavasagam vowed that he and several others, including NGOs, would be mounting an intense house to house campaign during the Bukit Selambau by-election to distribute information about police brutality.

"We want to let the people know what the police are doing to the Indians," he said.

Malaysiakini
20/03/09

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