Malaysia: End harassment of civil society
Malaysian authorities must stop harassing peaceful protesters, human rights defenders, and activists, said ARTICLE 19. The police have initiated investigations into ten individuals under Section 9(5) of the Peaceful Assembly Act in relation to their peaceful protest activities in recent weeks. Additionally, two artists have been investigated for their online activism. The Malaysian government should reform the Peaceful Assembly Act to bring it into compliance with international human rights law and take steps to ensure that all Malaysians enjoy the rights to freedom of expression and assembly in practice.
“New investigations are being opened against activists and artists at a shocking pace,” said Matthew Bugher, ARTICLE 19’s Head of Asia Programme. “This latest wave of cases demonstrates the authorities’ determination to control public discourse and suffocate dissent.”