IPOH: A group of nine non-governmental organisations and political parties has called for the release of Bersih 2.0 chairman Maria Chin Abdullah from detention under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma).
The group submitted a memorandum through the Perak police for Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar, calling for her release.
Persatuan Ummah Sejahtera Malaysia (Pasma) Perak vice-chief Mohd Ridzuan Azit said Maria's detention was unconstitutional and against the law.
"She's no terrorist. She's merely defending our parliamentary democracy," he claimed.
He echoed PKR Youth secretary Chang Lih Kang who said the Government had gone back on its promise that Sosma would only be used on terrorists and those who were a threat to the country.
"We strongly urge the Government to release her," added Chang.
Referring to Sosma as a draconian Act, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) central committee member Dr Michael Jeyakumar Devaraj said it was a gross injustice to use it against her.
"Sosma is for terrorists and those who want to bring down the country with firearms.
"Asking for cleaner and fair elections is not terrorism or destroying the country.
"If she's wrong, then charge her but to use Sosma is unfair. She has no way to defend herself," he said.
The police, he added, should relook its order to detain her without trial as it was affecting the country's image in the eyes of the world.
Maria was detained last Friday in a pre-Bersih 5.0 swoop by police on several opposition leaders and activists.
Maria, who faces detention up to 28 days under Sosma, is currently being held in solitary confinement at an undisclosed location.
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