Suhakam to open inquiry on alleged police violence

Saturday May 31, 2008

KUALA LUMPUR: The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) will open an inquiry on the alleged violence by the police against four people who were protesting against the building of the barrier at Bandar Mahkota Cheras.

Commissioner Datuk N. Siva Subramaniam said he wanted to know how the Federal Reserve Unit handled the situation on Tuesday night.

“Based on the victims’ accounts and video footage, we do not think that the four people posed any threat to the police,” he said in a press conference at their office here yesterday.

He said Suhakam would be meeting soon with the police to get their side of the story.

At about 11pm on Tuesday, four people in a car were arrested when driving home to Bandar Mahkota Cheras.

The four claimed that the police stopped their car and surrounded it.

They also claimed that the FRU then smashed the car windows. causing them to be injured.

Commissioner Datuk Dr Denison Jayasooria, who was also at the press conference, said he wanted real answers from the police for their actions.

“I feel very sad such an incident took place and on the exercise by the officers in uniform.

“We are finding such harsh behaviour a reflection on the police force.

“Therefore, the Home Affairs Ministry and the police must come out and explain,” he said.