Aliran: Pakatan should repeal Sosma, give those arrested for LTTE their day in court

PETALING JAYA: There should be no detention without trial for those detained over alleged links to the Liberation Tigers of Tamil Eelam (LTTE), says human rights NGO Aliran Kesedaran Negara (Aliran).

"Aliran is deeply dismayed that once again, the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma), which allows for detention without trial, has been used.

"This time against seven people, including Malacca state executive council member G Saminathan, who is also the Gadek assembly member, and Seremban Jaya assembly member P Gunasekaran, both from the DAP, over their alleged links to the now-defunct LTTE.

"The police have claimed that the Sri Lankan rebel group was planning an attack on the Sri Lankan High Commission in Malaysia and seem confident that they are justified in the actions, going by media reports," said Aliran executive committee in a press statement on Saturday (Oct 12).

"The fight against terrorism and extremism within the context of ensuring national security must be balanced with ensuring constitutional rights and civil liberties.

"At all times, the principles of natural justice must apply, and human rights must be respected.

"The challenge for the Pakatan Harapan government is to get the balance right and to work with the police to ensure the balance is maintained.

"The use of Sosma just does not allow for this balance. Hundreds of people have been arrested since Sosma first came into force in 2012.

"The change in government in 2018 brought a promise that oppressive and draconian laws such as Sosma would be done away with. And yet, we continue to see the use of Sosma against people.

"Aliran calls for those detained under Sosma to be released immediately. If there is evidence of wrongdoing, then charge the suspects accordingly under other laws.

"Until guilt is proven in a fair trial in open court, the presumption of innocence must be upheld," said Aliran executive committee.