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Malaysia frees opposition detainees
Kuala Lumpur, June 12: Malaysia today released the last of six opposition activists detained without trial for two years over allegations that they planned to overthrow the government.
Kuala Lumpur, June 12: Malaysia today released the last of six opposition activists detained without trial for two years over allegations that they planned to overthrow the
government.
The "Reformasi (reform) six", as they became known, are
supporters of jailed former Deputy Prime Minister Anwar
Ibrahim and the National Justice Party (Keadilan).
Badrulamin Bahrom and Lokman Adam were released from the Kamunting detention camp in northern Perak state, Yap Swee Seng of the Malaysian People (Suaram) Rights group told.
Their freedom from detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA), which allows indefinite imprisonment without trial, was welcomed by Anwar's wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also Keadilan president.
"Although we are happy and relieved with their release we will not be satisfied until the rest of the ISA detainees are brought to court and given due process of law," she told.
Badrulamin Bahrom and Lokman Adam were released from the Kamunting detention camp in northern Perak state, Yap Swee Seng of the Malaysian People (Suaram) Rights group told.
Their freedom from detention under the Internal Security Act (ISA), which allows indefinite imprisonment without trial, was welcomed by Anwar's wife, Wan Azizah Wan Ismail, who is also Keadilan president.
"Although we are happy and relieved with their release we will not be satisfied until the rest of the ISA detainees are brought to court and given due process of law," she told.
She dismissed suggestions the government had experienced
a change of heart over the use of the ISA and that the
release of the six signalled a new era of political
tolerance.
"It's a cycle. People are released and then there is
another bout of political detentions. There is always the ISA
hanging over us."
She said she believed international pressure had
influenced the government's decision to release the men.
Bureau report