Eric Paulsen, executive director of Lawyers for Liberty, said that he was aghast by the use of the security law. “Sosma is not supposed to be used for somebody like Maria. What she’s doing is part and parcel of a democracy and has nothing to do with terrorism or violence,” he said.
He said that cabinet minister Mohamed Nazri Abdul Aziz, in a parliamentary debate, had made reference to the law being used against the Al Maunah terrorist group, insurrection, and guerrilla warfare.
Paulsen said the investigating officer had assured him yesterday, when Maria was arrested, that the investigation was not being done under Sosma.
“Suddenly today I was prevented from seeing Maria. They kept delaying, no one wanted to be held responsible. Then I made a few calls and found out that she was being investigated under Sosma and that’s the reason I’m not able to see her.”
The normal remand period is 24 hours but can be extended for longer depending on the seriousness of the offence if investigations cannot be concluded in 24 hours. Sosma allows up to 28 days of detention without trial, “which is extremely harsh” said Paulsen.
LFL coordinator Melissa Sasidaran posted on Twitter:
“Absolutely shameful of police to give us the run around 4 Maria, only to be told this late that she’s detained under Sosma.
“@mariachin is not a terrorist to be held under Sosma. Get that right. She’s a patriot for this country. Think about that as u sleep tonight”
Maria and Bersih secretariat member Mandeep Singh were arrested on Thursday at the coalition’s office in Petaling Jaya.