Is selective enforcement of the Peaceful Assembly Act occurring?

Question

Accepted Answer

Selective Enforcement of the Peaceful Assembly Act is Alleged by Lawyers for Liberty

Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) has strongly criticised the police investigation into the children of Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali and other activists concerning their alleged participation in the Bersih 4 rally. LFL executive director Eric Paulsen described the actions as "clearly selective and in bad faith," particularly highlighting the investigation of Azmin Ali's 15-year-old son and 14-year-old daughter under the Peaceful Assembly Act. This stance is based on the observation that the rally concluded peacefully with a large turnout, including numerous other children, leading LFL to question the rationale behind singling out these specific individuals.
Allegations of Politicised Policing

LFL contends that the police force exhibits a pattern of politicised and selective behaviour when dealing with offences perceived as political. Paulsen specifically questioned the police's justification for targeting these particular children, suggesting their background and their parents' political affiliations as the likely motive. He urged the police to act professionally and impartially, focusing on genuine criminal activity rather than pursuing political adversaries or their families.
Azmin Ali's Son Summoned for Investigation

Selangor Mentri Besar Azmin Ali revealed that his 15-year-old son was summoned by the police to the Dang Wangi district police headquarters for an investigation related to a Bersih rally. This summons occurred at a time when the student was facing his final examinations. Lawyers subsequently confirmed that the son would provide his statement only after completing his academic assessments.
Previous Statements Recorded

The context of these investigations also includes previous actions taken against Azmin Ali himself. In September, Azmin's statement was recorded at the Dang Wangi district police headquarters. The investigation pertained to alleged violations of the Peaceful Assembly Act 2012, specifically for wearing a Bersih 4 shirt, which was reportedly banned, and for using the term "barua" (a Malay word meaning "stooge") to refer to the Inspector-General of Police.

Reading history

Hide →

This history is cleared when the page is closed.

Is selective enforcement of the Peaceful Assembly Act occurring?

Loading

Was this article helpful?

Helpful

Not helpful

Report an issue

1

0

0

Share with friends