Yemeni student sues Malaysia for RM2.61m over alleged torture?

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Yemeni Student Claims RM2.61 Million Over Alleged Torture and Unlawful Detention in Malaysia

A Yemeni national, Ali Hussein Al-Rassas, has initiated legal proceedings against the Malaysian government, police, immigration, and prison authorities, seeking RM2.61 million in compensation for alleged unlawful arrest and torture experienced in 2017. Al-Rassas, who was a student with a valid pass until March 12, 2017, claims he was arrested on February 26, 2017, and subjected to physical abuse and prolonged detention without proper legal access.
Arrest and Initial Detention at Bukit Aman

Ali Hussein Al-Rassas alleges he was arrested by police at his condominium in Cyberjaya on February 26, 2017, and claims he was beaten during the apprehension. He denies accusations of involvement in terrorism or a plot to assassinate Saudi Arabia's King Salman. Following his arrest, he states he was transported with his vision obscured and hands bound to Bukit Aman police headquarters, where he was held in isolation for 31 days, from February 26 to March 28, 2017. During this period, he claims the cell was cold, brightly lit, and contributed to a skin disease, mental breakdown, and a significant weight loss of 25kg. He also states he was interrogated regularly and allegedly subjected to physical assault to extract a confession.
Limited Access and Further Detention

During his 31-day detention at Bukit Aman, Al-Rassas reported being allowed only three visits: from a Yemeni embassy official, a Saudi Arabian representative, and the chairman of the local Yemeni community. He claims he was denied contact with family, friends, or lawyers until March 27, 2017. He was eventually produced before a magistrate on March 28, 2017, after 30 days of arrest, and subsequently transferred to Sungai Buloh prison. His lawsuit asserts that this delay in judicial presentation, beyond the 24-hour limit stipulated by Article 5 of the Federal Constitution, constitutes a serious violation.
Sungai Buloh and Immigration Camp Detention

From March 28 to May 9, 2017, Al-Rassas was held in various cells at Sungai Buloh prison, one of which he described as dirty and overcrowded with approximately 200 detainees. He maintains he was denied access to legal counsel during this period until he was brought before a magistrate with a lawyer on April 17, 2017. Subsequently, on May 9, 2017, he was moved to the Putrajaya immigration camp, where he remained in cramped and unsanitary conditions until his deportation on May 24, 2017.
Deportation and Legal Claims

Ali Hussein Al-Rassas was deported via a flight bound for Sudan on May 24, 2017, without any charges being formally laid against him. His lawsuit seeks declarations that he endured torture, and cruel, inhuman, and degrading treatment, violating international agreements such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and the Convention Against Torture (CAT), as well as Articles 5 and 7 of Malaysia's Federal Constitution. He is also pursuing general damages from the former Inspector-General of Police over an alleged defamatory press statement that labelled him a terrorist. The claim itemises 23 points for compensation, encompassing distress, denial of legal access, and unlawful detention. The first case management for this lawsuit is scheduled for September 10, 2019.

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Yemeni student sues Malaysia for RM2.61m over alleged torture?

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