HRW calls for the immediate release of Malaysian Indian activists

HRW calls for the immediate release of Malaysian Indian activists
New York-based Human Rights Watch called on the Malaysian government to release the five leaders from the Hindu Rights Action Force currently being held under the draconian Internal Security Act, a draconian law that "has long been used against peaceful political and rights activists".


"Holding Hindraf leaders under the ISA is an attempt to frighten into silence a minority community concerned about its rights," said Elaine Pearson, deputy Asia director at Human Rights Watch. "If laws were broken, then the offenders should be charged and properly tried, not detained indefinitely."

Kuala Lumpur on December 13 arrested Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) leaders P. Uthayakumar, M. Manoharan, V. Ganabatirau, R. Kenghadharan, and T. Vasanthakumar under the ISA. Hindraf protests what they believe to be discriminatory government economic policies against Malaysia's Indian population. A mass demonstration was held on November 25 in Kuala Lumpur, drawing about 20,000 people to the street. Kuala Lumpur police did not issued a permit for the rally.

Malaysian Prime Minister Abdullah Badawi, who is also minister of internal security, reportedly accused the Hindraf leaders of threaten racial and religious harmony in the ethnically diverse country.

On December 15, Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan told the media, without elaboration, that the five detained activist leaders "clearly have links with international terrorist organizations and they are involved in activities that amount to inciting racial hatred." Three of the five detained leaders have also been charged with sedition.

A general election is expected in early 2008.

The upcoming elections will be an important opportunity for Malaysians to have their voices heard on a range of issues," said Pearson. "The government must allow all voices to be heard, including those from marginalized communities like Hindraf who are seeking equal access to basic rights."

Malaysia, a founding member of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN), signed the ASEAN charter on November 21, 2007. Both under the ASEAN charter and also as a member of the United Nations Human Rights Council, Malaysia has pledged to "promote and protect" human rights.

HRW urged the Malaysian government to honor its pledges to those international institutions as well as uphold its human rights obligations under international law by abolishing the ISA.

The Nation