ISA protest: Police want parents of 44 juveniles charged
(The Star) – Police will recommend to the Attorney-General to charge parents of 44 juveniles arrested in Saturday’s Anti- ISA rally for exploiting their children.
The recommendation would be made in their investigation paper to be submitted to the AG’s Chambers soon.
Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan said action could be taken under the Child Protection Act 1991 when parents are found to be exploiting their children.
He said the police would look into the matter seriously and make the necessary recommendation.
“I have said when commenting on illegal rallies before that action can be taken against parents if they are found exploiting their children,” he said when met at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport Tuesday.
Musa had just returned from Singapore where he was awarded the island’s Distinguished Service Order for his outstanding contribution in fostering excellent ties and cooperation’ between the Malaysian police and the republic’s police force.
Musa also added that police would also be recording statements from 11 opposition politicians about their alleged involvement on the rally.
“Those to be called are people we have identified and those already mentioned by the Kuala Lumpur police chief Datuk Muhammad Sabtu Osman recently,” she said.
Muhammad Sabtu was quoted as saying that police were looking for 11 opposition members, including Parti Keadilan Rakyat adviser Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim and Pas secretary- general Datuk Mustafa Ali, who were said to have instigated the gathering.
City Criminal Investigation Department chief Datuk Ku Chin Wah has been ordered to record their statements soon.
These people would be charged in Court for their involvement in the illegal rally.
Police are also investigating claims that some protestors were paid money to participate in the rally.
Commenting on complaints that police had taken too stern an action against the rally protestors, Musa said when people break the law police had no choice but to take stern action.
“We gave the public ample of warning not to participate in rallies as it would be a public nuisance,” Musa added.
Meanwhile, human rights watchdog Suaram lodged a report Tuesday against Musa for violating civil rights.
Suaram coordinator Enalini Devi Elumalai, with six other members, lodged a police report at the Dang Wangi police headquarters at 11.30am.
Enalini, when met later, said that the report was made because the police had misused their power in taking such stern action on Saturday.
Suaram also said in a statement that the police had used excessive force against the demonstrators and made arrests without notifying detainees about their charges.
It was also stated that the police had inconvenienced the public by setting up roadblocks and closing some LRT stops.
Suaram also urged Musa to resign as IGP with immediate effect.
In Saturday’s anti-ISA rally, police arrested 589 people including 44 juveniles.
Most of them were released except for 29 people who were charged on Monday for allegedly participating in the illegal rally.
