Malaysian authorities accused of human rights violations | Asian Correspondent

Malaysian authorities accused of human rights violations | Asian Correspondent
 Rowena Dela Rosa Yoon Jul 15, 2014

The local police in Gebang, Malaysia have been accused of suppressing basic human rights following the illegal arrests of civilians who are protesting against the Lynas Advanced Materials Plant (LAMP), an Australian-owned rare earths mining company.

Civilians call for the release of detained protesters. (Photo: Himpunan Hijau)

Over a dozen of protesters were arrested on June 22, including Australian environmental defender Natalie Lowry. She was released earlier and she is now back in Sydney safe and sound.

However, not all the protesters were freed in good faith. Last week, six were released on three conditions – bail amounting to RM 2,500 (€576) each, a ban from posting on social media, and monthly reporting at the local police station.

The six are members of the Himpunan Hijau (Green Assembly), a Malaysian environmental movement protesting against Lynas. They were detained on charges of illegal assembly and rioting following their participation in the protest calling for the company to cease work on the plant and leave Malaysia.

The group opposes the operations of Lynas plant, which the group claims produces tonnes of toxic waste.

A couple joins the rally against Lynas. (Photo: Himpunan Hijau)

Two protesters were hospitalised after the protest and  a human rights defender sustained serious injuries in the head, resulting in concussion, according to reports. All were charged were violating the country’s penal code.

The lawyer for the human rights defenders rejected the conditions, arguing that the injunction is an unconstitutional infringement of  the right to freedom of expression. The case hearing will resume on September 2.

Front Line Defenders is concerned that the charges and bail conditions are targeting the protesters  in order to obstruct and limit their human rights, specifically their campaign to protect the environment of the local community in Kuantan.

A photo taken during the detention of Natalie Lowry. (Photo: Himpunan Hijau)

Front Line Defenders has urged the authorities in Malaysia to immediately drop all charges against the 15 human rights activists.