THE arrest and detention of 20-year-old activist and MISI: Solidariti founder Sarah Irdina Mohammad Ariff for sedition and improper use of network facilities has sparked outrage on social media.
This is over a Tweet on July 1 demanding the resignation of Prime Minister Tan Sri Mahiaddin Yassin, the convening of Parliament and the ending of the Emergency proclamation.
“Treating this young woman like she’s the enemy of the state when all she and other young activists are [doing is] just speaking out against injustice,” wrote popular social media influencer Nalisa Alia Amin.
User Abberna Dhevi K had this to say regarding the issue:
This is echoed by user Irfan, who opined that Sarah was arrested for something that is commonly by many other people in Malaysia and all over the world, which is simply tweeting.
“The police arrested an activist for using her right and freedom of speech, while Mahiaddin and Takiyuddin are walking around scot-free after going against the YDPA (Yang di-Pertuan Agong) for revoking the EO (Emergency Ordinance). You tell me which is worse,” said another user.
Meanwhile, user Dharshinee Suresh Kumar is saddened at the thought of a young girl spending the night in jail and that the incident might happen to anyone.
Amnesty International Malaysia has similarly thrown in its support for the activist, tweeting “The latest in an unacceptable string of attacks on freedom of expression this week.
“Why does the Government persist in using its resources, energy [and] time to punish those who shed light on harm instead of addressing the elements of harm?” – July 30, 2021
