PSM demands probe on sexual misconduct by police

PSM has slammed the police's lackadaisical attitude towards its previous reports.

PETALING JAYA: Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM) activists today lodged a disciplinary report against the police demanding that they investigate previous claims of sexual misconduct against detainees.

Party secretary-general S Arutchelvan said today’s report revolved around previous police reports that were lodged by members in Kepala Batas, Penang and Ipoh on the same issue.

Early last month, 36 PSM activists were detained while carrying out their “Udahlah Bersaralah” campaign in Perak.

(“Udahlah tu.. Bersaralah or Enough already, Retire now” was a nationwide campaign to remind Malaysians of the pitfalls of returning Barisan Nasional to power in the 13th general election.)
They were detained in Kepala Batas, Penang.

They have been charged with distributing subversive documents and Bersih 2.0-related paraphernalia.
According to Arutchelvan, the detained activists had to endure abuses including sexual abuse during their detention.

“There were detainees who were told to undress in the presence of male police officers,” he told FMT today.

Today’s police report was lodged by activists P Jothi, G Pakialetchumi, P Indra, R Ramasamy and G Velayutham.

Asked about the reaction from the police on today’s police report, Arutchelvan said that the report was received by one officer known only as ASP Krishnakumari.

“She told us that they (the police) would need six months to investigate the matter.”

Arutchelvan also questioned the police’s lackadaisical attitude in acting on the previous reports.
“The police should have interviewed our people and conducted an identification parade,” he said.