Police have released human rights lawyer Eric Paulsen this afternoon, after recording his statement over a remark he made on Twitter that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was promoting extremism during Friday sermons.
The Malaysian Insider – Wed, Jan 14, 2015
Police have released human rights lawyer Eric Paulsen this afternoon, after recording his statement over a remark he made on Twitter that the Malaysian Islamic Development Department (Jakim) was promoting extremism during Friday sermons.
Accompanying him at the Dang Wangi police headquarter were his lawyers, Radzlan Jalaludin and Michelle Yesudas.
Paulsen, when met by reporters, maintained his innocence over the matter and said that he would be more cautious with his words in future.
“I will certainly choose my words much more carefully after this, but people who know me will certainly know that I mean no harm.”
The Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) executive director, when asked about what had transpired during his custody in the police station, declined to elaborate, citing ongoing police investigation.
He said that he was treated well when arrested.
“I refuse to comment… in fear that it will jeopardise the investigation. However, I will issue a press release tomorrow after discussing with my colleagues.
“I can say that the police have treated me professionally, at the station and when arrested,” he said.
Asked about the large police presence during his arrest in Brickfields on Monday night, Paulsen said he would left it to the public to the judge of it.
“Whether 20 policemen are enough to arrest me, I’ll let you decide.
“The fact is, I had already made an appointment to be at the police station at 3pm today. But I am very sure that they had their orders.
“I am willing to assist the police,” he added.
It was reported that the police were investigating Paulsen under the Sedition Act 1948 for allegedly accusing Jakim of spreading extremism through Friday sermons.
Last Friday, he had posted, “Jakim is promoting extremism every Friday. Govt needs to address that if serious about extremism in Malaysia.”
It was later deleted following an uproar online, which led to a police report by Umno Youth Religious Bureau chairman Azmir Yuzaimi Mohd Yunos.
Paulsen had also made a police report after receiving death threats following the backlash over his tweet. – January 14, 2015.