Regarding the questioning of Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) Executive Director Sevan at the police station, Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) believes that the police cannot arrest people just to coerce testimony, and urges the government to respect the freedom of speech and personal freedom enjoyed by the people.
LFL Director Zaid Malek stated that based on the video recorded on-site, it is evident that the police were arresting Sevan.
He said that the police not only lied blatantly, but the Ministry of Home Affairs also used the "1998 Communications and Multimedia Act" to threaten the public not to make unnecessary speculations, which is concerning.
"The video of Sevan's arrest is public, and it is clear that the police demanded Sevan immediately accompany them to the station, rejecting his request to provide a statement the following day."
"He obviously had no choice but to follow the police's instructions to go to the station. According to the "Criminal Procedure Code" and "Case Law," it is clearly an act of arrest."
Zaid Malek believes that arresting Sevan just to record a statement is an act of tyranny, illegality, and an abuse of police power.
He said that the police cannot arrest people just to compel them to testify, and the video taken at the time has proven that the police's denial is unfounded and dishonest.
Zaid Malek stated that Sevan was there to insist on accompanying the families of 32 detainees held under the "2012 Security Offenses (Special Measures) Act" to the Ministry of Home Affairs in Putrajaya, hoping to meet with representatives from the ministry to express the families' demands.
He pointed out that a similar incident occurred on February 6, 2025, when student activists supporting detainees at the Wangsa Maju police district headquarters were arrested by the police under the pretext of recording statements.
He continued to say that if the government supports dictatorial behavior, then they cannot claim morally that they stand for reform.
Therefore, he urges the government to respect the people’s freedom of speech, assembly, and association as guaranteed under Article 10 of the "Federal Constitution of Malaysia," ensuring the people are not harassed or intimidated by law enforcement agencies.
Moreover, the authorities should not defend illegal arrests, but instead, should severely condemn such acts that insult Article 5 of the "Federal Constitution," which grants individuals personal freedom.