Razor-swallowing case to go to Suhakam

Hafiz Yatim, Malaysiakini

While the police and prison authorities have promised a probe over the bizarre razor-swallowing incident involving Raja Azman Raja Petra, his lawyers will nevertheless lodge a complaint to the Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) next week.

They are arguing that the incident should not have happened especially to those held under remand. Remand prisoners should have been classified under a different category as they have certain rights not enjoyed by normal prisoners.

Lawyer J Chandra, when contacted by Malaysiakini, lamented that Raja Azman had been given prison-like treatment, which included an alleged assault by guards.

Chandra said he and the other lawyers were in the process of preparing the necessary documentation to back up their complaint.

“I hope we could submit a report with Suhakam by next week after the Chinese New Year holidays,” he said.

Chandra was also asked to comment on the police and prison authorities conducting separate probes on the matter.

He said the investigations should also focus on to how the blade made its way into Raja Azman's cell.

Yesterday, Bernama quoted Bukit Aman Crime Investigation Department deputy director I (intelligence/operation) Hadi Ho Abdullah that they would seek help from the Prisons Department to uncover possible motives for Raja Azman's swallowing of the razor blade.

Iron rods used during assault

Furthermore, Chandra said the department will need to explain the reasons behind the assault against 34-year-old Raja Azman.

According to the lawyer, two guards used iron rods to beat Raja Azman (left) over allegations that he had a handphone in his cell.

“This was related to me by Raja Azman during one of the court hearings in Shah Alam.

“Raja Azman had denied owning the handphone. Such an incidence is truly regrettable and the police and prison authorities should probe this,” he said.

After the beatings, Chandra said his client was put in solitary confinement.

Again, he said such treatment should not be meted out to Raja Azman as he was under remand, instead of serving a prison sentence.

Razor blade not removed

Chandra also revealed that the razor blade in Raja Azman's stomach has yet been removed.

“From what I know, it had yet to leave the stomach,” he said.

Raja Azman, the second child of Raja Petra, had been remanded after he claimed trial at the Shah Alam Magistrate's Court to four counts of theft, and receiving stolen property and criminal trespass.

He was accused of stealing a Nokia mobile phone, a Seiko watch, and a bunch of motorcycle keys, all worth about RM3,850, belonging to a student last year.

Yesterday, it was reported that doctors attending to Raja Azman, have decided not to surgically remove the razor blade in his stomach.

They felt it was unnecessary as the blade had broken in two and it should be allowed to exit naturally.

Meanwhile, Bernama quoted Home Minister Hishammuddin Hussein denying that Raja Azman was assaulted in prison.

“There should not be any speculation on this. The matter is being investigated by the police and when the time comes, we will reveal it to the public,” he said, adding the allegations of assault have no basis.