Contrary to what police had said, its seven-member observation team said the protesters, numbering about 1,000, had taken every effort to comply with the health and safety SOPs in place.

In a statement today, Suhakam said police should stop investigating the participants or organisers for exercising their fundamental right to assemble, as allowed under Article 10 (1)(b) of the Federal Constitution.

“Instead, Suhakam would like to propose that the authorities emphasise on developing and strengthening the SOPs to enable such gatherings by mitigating the risk of spreading Covid-19.”

Suhakam’s statement comes after the police said all identified participants and organisers would be questioned for breaching Covid-19 SOPs under the Prevention and Control of Infectious Diseases Act (Act 342).

Dang Wangi district police chief Mohamad Zainal Abdullah said assemblies or gatherings are not allowed under Section 10 of the Act.

Yesterday morning, hundreds of protesters, made up of students and youth activists, descended on the capital calling for the resignation of Prime Minister Muhyiddin Yassin and his Cabinet.

They also demanded a full parliamentary session to be convened and an automatic loan moratorium for all.

Gathering outside Masjid Jamek, carrying banners and placards which read “Kerajaan Gagal” (“Failed Government”), they were stopped by police from entering Dataran Merdeka.

Meanwhile, various NGOs have been urging the police to stop questioning organisers and participants of #Lawan rallies.