NGO condemns attack on same-sex couple

KUALA LUMPUR: An NGO is urging the police to conduct a thorough investigation into a viral video depicting a group attacking two men who allegedly had same-sex relations.

Pelangi Campaign group president Numan Afifi lodged a police report on Thursday (Dec 27) over the video.

"We, a group of concerned citizens, are appalled and condemn the act of violence committed by the vigilante group.

"We urge the police to investigate the assault without fear and favour, and proactively provide security (and) protection for the victims and the LGBTQ community at large from being targeted," he said when met outside the Dang Wangi police headquarters.

"This is not the first case of violence against the LGBTQ community.

"In a country where peace and harmony prevail, we must acknowledge that this is a continuing threat that targets not only the LGBTQ community but also others, including women and religious minorities," he said.

He added he was basing his report solely on the widely-circulated video.

"This is wrong in law and on so many levels. Even if the people involved thought that there were any crimes committed, it shouldn't have led to this," said lawyer representing the group Azlan Abdul Razak.