21-member 'lawyer squad' to join Red Shirt rally

KUALA LUMPUR: Twenty-one lawyers have volunteered to join the Red Shirts to ensure their rights are defended during their rally that will coincide with the Bersih 2.0 gathering next month.  

Red Shirts legal advisor Mohd Imran Tamrin said the 21 who are from different law firms will provide their services pro bono.  

"We want to ensure the rally goes on smoothly and the rights of the participants are well represented.  

"If there are clashes, there will be havoc because of the tense situation and to face that we have taken the initiative to form a 'lawyer squad'," he said at a press conference here Tuesday.

"We have discussed this, especially after the incident in Sabak Bernam," he said, referring to the clash that took place between Bersih participants and Red Shirts during a roadshow by Bersih there.  

Mohd Imran also urged Red Shirt rally participants to be vigilant.  

"We want to remind the participants on the do's and don'ts.  

"We would also like to advise all those who would like to join the Red Shirts in opposing the Bersih 5 rally to be on their best behaviour," he said.  

He added that Sungai Besar Umno chief Datuk Seri Jamal Yunos, who has been called by police over a seditious post on Facebook, is currently overseas.  

"He currently has some matters overseas and we have informed police and they understand," said Imran.

Last week, Jamal and his followers had gathered in Sabak Bernam to stop a Bersih convoy making its nationwide tour.  

Red Shirt supporters were seen assaulting a Bersih supporter who was on his motorcycle.  

Bersih 2.0 is currently on a nationwide tour ahead of its rally on Nov 19, during which time the Red Shirts will also be having their rally.