Official statistics show custodial death rate still high

COMMENT Suaram continues to be concerned about the lack of accountability for this serious violation of the right to life.

In replying to a written question from Padang Serai MP N Surendran regarding the statistics of deaths in police custody for the year 2011 until June 2013, the Home Ministry has revealed some startling information.

It is extremely alarming that the information provided by the Home Ministry shows the number of deaths seems to be much higher in reality than information that has been available publicly so far.

Suaram’s own media monitoring and documentation recorded only 10 cases of deaths in custody in 2011 and nine cases for the year 2012.

These statistics once again highlight the need for an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC). Many Malaysians across the nation had urged this when N Dharmendran was found dead in the IPK Kuala Lumpur, with staples still attached to his ears.

Subsequently there were three deaths in custody which occurred within a span of 11 days in the month of May and early June 2013.

However, these urgings have fallen on deaf ears and it seems that we are back to square one again.

Seeking answers

Suaram would like raise the following questions to the government and we want to get some answers immediately:

1. What is the outcome of the Bukit Aman special committee formed to take steps in order to prevent deaths in police lock-ups?

2. What has happened to the permanent coroner’s court suggestion made on the June 19, 2013 during a cabinet meeting?

3. The existing Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission (EAIC) reported that they will investigate the deaths of Dharmendran and James Ramesh. Is there any feedback or progress report on these investigations?

Suaram believes that the authorities never had any intention to implement the various public commitments and promises they made towards improving police accountability.

They were basically a “public relations stunt” to deal with the public outrage of the many deaths in custody.

Suaram stands firm on the need for an effective oversight body to specifically receive complaints about abuses by the police force, that has the powers to investigate these complaints and ensure that that those involved in such violations face criminal charges for the crimes that have perpetrated.

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THEVARAJAN R is Suaram coordinator.