Protest called -28th Jan to highlight the abuse of Human Rights in Malaysia

dublin | rights, freedoms and repression | press release

Saturday January 26, 2008 14:39

by Declan Kavanagh - Friends of Human Rights Activists in Malaysia

declankavanagh62 at hotmail dot com

dublin

0857318496

An Interanl Security Act is been used to attack lawyers and other activists including our Malaysian friend Noor Aza Othman who was a resident in Ireland for five years, .

Friends of Human Right Activists in Malaysia have expressed their
concern about a possible jailing of lawyers, NGO's activists and other individuals.

The activists include our friend, a Malaysian women who was a resident in Ireland for five years, Noor Aza Othman,

The group are in Court on the 28th January 2008
under a notorious Internal Security Act, who are facing prison sentences for two years or more.

The background is as follows:
On 9th December a march was held in Kuala Lumpur by a group of lawyers and othe human right activists to mark International Human Rights day. The protest called for a right
to freedom of assembly but, ironically, the police not only stopped the march but arrested the lawyers and other individuals, including Noor Aza Othman.

All were detained under the Internal Security Act. According to the New York based organisation Human Rights Watch,

'ISA detainees have long suffered physical and mental abuse, sexual humiliation and public vilification without access to a serious complaint mechanism or having an opportunity to defend themselves'

Detainees can be held for two and a half year - or longer if the
government decides to increase the sentence.

The ISA has become a weapon to suppress political dissent and to ensure that the government party stays in power. There has been no change in government in Malaysia since 1957.

Noor Aza Othman lived in Rathfarnham in Dublin for five years and
attended a Development Studies course in Kimmage Manor. She did volunteer work with the Migrant Right Centre and involved herself with the Anti-war protests.

If you're free on Monday, 28th JANUARY at 1pm (2008), a protest will be held outside the Malaysian Embassy, Shelbourne House, Shelbourne Road, Ballsbridge, Dubin 4.
if you can't make it to the protest, can you please write to the Malaysian Embassy - email: mwdublin@mwdublin.ie and voice your concern. Alternatively, I have a letter already written up so e-mail me or ring me and I can send it to you so that you can forward it to the M.Embassy.
Any small gesture that you can help me with, is very much appreciated.