LFL adviser N Surendran said the group also demanded an independent investigation to ensure accountability, as well as the setting up of a commission of inquiry into the incident.

“The 32 detainees (alleged to be involved in the incident) should be released from Sosma detention. If they are involved in any wrongdoing, try them under normal criminal law.

“After this incident, they cannot be kept in detention anymore. It will bring the administration of justice in our country into disrepute,” Surendran told a press conference at the LFL office here today.

He said the government must give an assurance on the detainees’ safety and wellbeing.

This comes after Sosma detainees at the Sungai Buloh prison claimed they were assaulted by control and prevention unit (UKP) officers after staging a hunger strike.

They appeared at the Klang High Court on Feb 20, allegedly showing signs of injuries, and described how they were stomped on, kicked, punched, and struck with a baton, according to lawyer Rajesh Nagarajan.

Another LFL adviser, Latheefa Koya, who was present at the press conference, questioned whether the alleged assault was racially motivated.