Police must protect Himpunan Hijau protesters

PETALING JAYA: Kuantan OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Aziz Salleh and his officers were not doing their duty when they failed to take immediate action against those who had used unnecessary and excessive force against the Himpunan Hijau protesters.

PETALING JAYA: Kuantan OCPD Asst Comm Abdul Aziz Salleh and his officers were not doing their duty when they failed to take immediate action against those who had used unnecessary and excessive force against the Himpunan Hijau protesters.

“Suaram demands a thorough investigation of the violent attacks. The action of the police reflects that the law enforcement agency was more interested in protecting the Lynas Corporation rather than safeguarding the rights and interests of the people who protested peacefully against the controversial rare earth processing plant,” said Suaram coordinator R Thevarajan.

“It is even more appalling that the protesters, who gathered at the Kuantan police district headquarters in support of the 16 fellow protesters held by police, were verbally abused and physically attacked by some 15 unidentified individuals, right in front of the police officers at the police station.”

Thevarajan said that Suaram wants these “thugs” arrested and brought to justice.

Abdul Aziz and his officers should be held accountable and disciplinary action should be taken against them if they fail to take immediate action.

A total of 16 people, including an Australian environmental activist, were arrested. Two of those arrested were brought to Hospital Tengku Ampuan Afzan after sustaining injuries during the arrest.

SOURCE www.freemalaysiatoday.com