Stop treating our patriotic youth like criminals, govt urged

THE Coalition for Clean and Fair Elections (BERSIH 2.0) today expressed their concern that the Perikatan Nasional (PN) Government and the Malaysian police (PDRM) have resorted to harassing/intimidating citizens who are expressing their disappointment with the failure of the Government to handle the COVID-19 pandemic as well as the country’s economy.

“Such intimidations has served to strengthen the resolve of not only those targeted but also fair-minded Malaysians outraged by such bully tactics,” said the BERSIH 2.0 Steering Committee in a statement.

The coalition went on to refer to the arrest of 20-year-old MISI: Solidariti founder Sarah Irdina who was charged with sedition for a tweet she had posted on July 1.

The tweet called for people to support the #Lawan protest by displaying a black flag if they agree with their demands for the PM to resign, the reconvening of Parliament, and the ending of the Emergency.

She was held at the Jinjang Detention Centre (KL) but has been released early this morning.

Earlier, three young activists were also called in for questioning at IPD Dang Wangi over the upcoming #Lawan protest on Saturday, July 31 at Dataran Merdeka.

The trio are Tharma Pillai, Afiq Adib, and Muhammad Alshatri. They were not detained after their statements were taken.

“BERSIH 2.0 calls on all Malaysians to stand in solidarity with these young people who are exercising their constitutional rights to express and assemble peacefully.

“They are staking their claim in this country and their voices and aspirations should be heard. Meanwhile, we urge the PDRM to immediately release Sarah Irdina from detention and not treat our patriotic youths like criminals,” said the committee. – July 30, 2021.

 

Photo credit: Malaysiakini

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