Sarah Irdina Mohamad Ariff, the founder of youth-based group Misi Solidariti, was released from police custody about 1am today after being questioned for 10 hours over allegations of sedition and improper use of network facilities.

Earlier, three young activists — Tharma Pillai, Afiq Adib, and Muhammad Alshatri — were also called in for questioning at the Dang Wangi police headquarters over tomorrow’s #Lawan protest at Dataran Merdeka.

In a statement today, Bersih 2.0 said it was “extremely concerned” that the government and police were resorting to “failed tactics of harassing and intimidating citizens” who were expressing their disappointment with the failure of the government over the handling of the pandemic and the economy.

“Such intimidation has served to strengthen the resolve of not only those targeted but also fair-minded Malaysians outraged by such bullying tactics,” it said.

“Bersih 2.0 calls on all Malaysians to stand in solidarity with these young people exercising their constitutional right to express and assemble peacefully,” said Bersih 2.0.

“They are staking their claim in this country and their voices and aspirations should be heard.”

Police arrested the 20-year-old Sarah under the Sedition Act for a tweet she posted on July 1 calling people to support the #Lawan protest by displaying a black flag if they agree with their demands for the prime minister to resign, the reconvening of Parliament, and the ending of the Emergency.

Bersih 2.0 encouraged those who wanted to support the peaceful #Lawan protest at 11am tomorrow to ensure they were properly masked, observed social distancing and followed the organisers’ instructions.

It also said those unable to participate in person could show their solidarity by wearing black or putting up a black flag tomorrow.