PSM urges new AG to review Sosma detentions

PSM has called on new Attorney-General Idrus Harun to urgently review the cases of Sosma detainees languishing in prison for minor offences.

"PSM welcomes the appointment of Idrus Harun as the new attorney-general. We hope he will carry out his duty in fairness, without fear or favour," PSM deputy chairperson S Arutchelvan (photo) told Malaysiakini today.

He cited Suaram’s executive director Sevan Doraisamy as saying that there have been more than 1,000 people detained under the Act.

Many have been arrested under Sosma for possessing photos and videos linked to the Islamic State terrorist organisation, he added. 

"It is critical for the new AG to revisit and relook at those still detained under Sosma because it is a gross injustice to detain innocent people and deny them their freedom, a fundamental human right."

Arutchelvan said PSM welcomed previous AG Tommy Thomas' decision on Feb 21 to discontinue proceedings against 12 Sosma detainees for alleged links to defunct terror group LTTE.

"Tommy had said there was no realistic prospect of conviction for the 12 accused on any of the 34 charges. He made this decision based on his discretion under Article 145(3) of the Federal Constitution," said Arutchelvan.

"We were in the process of submitting a memorandum to Thomas on the plight of other detainees facing similar charges as well as to call for the repeal of the Act in the coming Parliament sitting," added the PSM man.

Sosma allows for detention of up to 28 days before a suspect is charged.

Once charged, the suspect remains behind bars while the case is tried under the Penal Code.