In a joint statement, the group slammed the arrests of Arutchelvan, residents’ representative M Logeswaran and activist M Mythreyar, describing them as “unwarranted”.
“We demand the immediate and unconditional release of Arutchelvan, Mythreyar and Logeswaran.
“We further call on the Selangor government to intervene and ensure that the demolition is halted, with no further forced evictions undertaken until all residents receive adequate alternative housing,” it said.
The group said the three arrested were acting on the Selangor government’s directive that occupied houses should not be demolished until an amicable solution is achieved.
It also accused the officers from the Klang Selatan police headquarters, including the district police chief, of defying the menteri besar’s directive by assisting developer Melati Ehsan to forcibly evict the residents of Kampung Jalan Papan.
“The arrests are therefore unnecessary and unlawful, as the three acted in accordance with the advice and directive of the menteri besar and the state government,” it said.
Signatories of the statement included PSM, Suara Rakyat Malaysia, the Teoh Beng Hock Association for Democratic Advancement, Pertubuhan Persaudaraan Pesawah Malaysia, Parti Rakyat Malaysia, Muda, the Women’s Aid Organisation, and Bersih.
Yesterday, FMT reported that the trio were purportedly detained under Section 186 of the Penal Code for obstructing civil servants from performing their duties.
However, Arutchelvan said they were only trying to halt the demolition work on houses that had not yet been fully vacated, as families were still inside when the demolition took place.
He also claimed that one of the activists was arrested simply for requesting that the police postpone the demolition by two more days.
On Nov 8, FMT reported PSM and ex-Klang MP Charles Santiago as urging the state government to halt the demolition of vacant houses in the village for a redevelopment project, amid fears that some 100 families would be displaced.
The state government had said on Oct 23 that only vacant houses and business premises would be demolished. However, on Oct 27, the residents received a fresh notice to vacate their homes.
They have appealed to menteri besar Amirudin Shari to intervene and halt the demolition.