20 civil society activists, including ARTICLE 19 Malaysia Programme Officer Nalini Elumalai, have been interrogated by police about their protest activities. On March 1, the activists took part in a peaceful assembly to protest political developments in Malaysia. Three days later, they were informed that they were being investigated for potential violations of the Peaceful Assembly Act.
Matthew Bugher, ARTICLE 19’s Head of Asia Programme said:
“For many activists, trips to the police station have become routine. The ritual intimidation of human rights defenders and peaceful protesters must end. While Malaysian civil society is resilient, this type of petty harassment chills public discourse and shrinks civic space.
“The Peaceful Assembly Act is an impediment to the exercise of rights guaranteed by the Malaysian constitution and international human rights law. Malaysia’s next government should reform the Peaceful Assembly Act and other repressive legislation as a matter of priority.”