In a press release on April 30 2012, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) condemned the Malaysian government for the excessive police violence directed against protesters during the BERSIH 3.0 rally in Kuala Lumpur on April 28, 2012. FORUM-ASIA also called on the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (SUHAKAM) to conduct a full public inquiry into the violence.

Participants in the rally gathered to demand country-wide electoral reforms and an establishment of an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) as a response to cases of police abuse. Tear gas and water cannons were used to disperse the crowds and 572 individuals were arrested. Nearly a month later on May 21, Malaysian opposition leader Anwar Ibrahim was one of three people charged under the Peaceful Assembly Act for participation in the BERSIH 3.0 rally.

Read the full FORUM-ASIA statement here: http://www.forum-asia.org/?p=12525

Article from the Malaysian Insider: http://bit.ly/LEzgdN

Article from the BBC on Anwar Ibrahim’s arrest: http://bbc.in/Jym7ba

Photo courtesy of the Malaysian Insider