Call on all charges against Uthayakumar to be
dropped in recognizing a counsel's privilege
Press Statement
by Teresa Kok
(Petaling Jaya,
Friday): I
wish to express my grave concern at the recent arrest and re-arrest of Parti
Reformasi Insan Malaysia pro-tem General Secretary and lawyer P. Uthayakumar
on January 16, 2003 which involves the dilution of a counsel's privilege and
human rights as a whole.
Uthayakumar had acted within the ambit and powers of a counsel and should be
protected by Absolute Privilege as provided by the law of the country.
I condemn the arrest made and the subsequent charges leveled against
Uthayakumar and call for all charges to be dropped in recognizing the duties
and responsibilities of a counsel toward his client.
Further, an immediate investigation should be carried out by the police on
the alleged mistreatment received by Uthayakumar as reported in Malay Mail
dated 21 Jan 2003 as the reputation of the police is at stake. The daily
reported that Uthayakumar was asked to strip and was verbally abused.
Besides, the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) ought to
investigate Uthayakumar's arrest and make recommendations to the authorities
according to the powers conferred to the body by law as the matter involves
the violation of human rights.
The nature of the case is a serious one as it would hamper the convention of
lawyers to act without fear in the interest of their client. DAP will
monitor the development of the said charges and will continue to expose and
pressure relevant parties for improvement on treatment of persons in custody
and selective prosecution.
(24/1/2003)
*
Teresa Kok, MP for Seputeh and Head of DAP NGO
Bureau
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http://dapmalaysia.org