Police standard operating procedures (SOP) were applied, says Deputy Home Minister Nur Jazlan Mohamed.

“She went through the police usual SOP and this shows that she wasn’t given special treatment,” he told FMT.

Nur Jazlan was responding to Maria, who had recounted her “horrifying” experience during her detention under Sosma.

Maria had described how she was made to sleep on a wooden plank with no windows and endure interrogation sessions while not being allowed to wear any undergarments.

Nur Jazlan, who is Pulai MP, explained not only undergarments were not allowed, but also items such as belts, ties and any personal items that could pose as a safety hazard to the detainee.

“Belts and other personal items can be used to injure the inmate physically.

“You can strangle yourself with an undergarment as it can be made into a rope.

“That’s why the police do not allow these things. The police want to avoid any untoward incidents.”

Nur Jazlan said Maria was also not treated any differently from other detainees during interrogation.

“If she wants to talk about her experiences during detention, then let her talk about it. But she was treated according to police SOP and no differently from other inmates.”

Maria was arrested a day before Bersih 5 on Nov 18 under Sosma.

Police claimed they had obtained a document that led them to believe she could be involved in activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy in Malaysia, an offence under Section 124(c) of the Penal Code.