THE police should understand that freedom of expression is guaranteed under Article 10 of the Federal Constitution and the people will not be cowed by high-handed approach.
“Pemuda Sosialis condemns the ongoing harassment against human rights organisations, particularly Freedom Film Network, Suaram and Misi Solidariti regarding their animation work entitled ‘Chili Powder and Thinner’.
“For the umpteenth time, we urge the authorities to learn and comprehend the characteristics of democracy as spelt out in the Federal Constitution,” said its leader P Ilaiya Barathi, in a statement.
Last week, the police raided FFN’s office shortly after questioning its founders Amin Landak and Anna Har at Bukit Aman, at 2.30pm over the three-minute animated film, which highlights a case of police brutality on detainees.
Centre for Independent Journalism (CIJ) and FFN had criticised the police for their high-handed approach, despite the former being cooperative with the authorities.
Touching on the matter, Ilaiya Barathi said the unprofessional conduct of the police in their attempt to silence critics was unnecessary and must be stopped immediately.
He added the authorities should not act in such manner when someone was trying to feature another version of a story, as it was against freedom of expression.
“This expression is not crime, unlike the use of torture by the police. Instead of adopting yet another intimidating approach, the authorities should abide by the constitutional parameters rather than overriding them.
“At this time of uncertainty due to COVID-19, poverty and injustice all around, we should be working towards strengthening our democratic institutions,” the PSM leader remarked. – July 6, 2021.
