Gerakan: Free Hindraf five - The Star

IPOH: Gerakan wants the Government to release the five Hindraf (Hindu Rights Action Force) leaders detained in Kamunting under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Gerakan National Legal Bureau chief Datuk Chang Ko Youn said the detention of the five leaders had created unnecessary tension and unhappiness, especially among advocates of democracy and human rights.

“We are seriously against any Act that prescribes detention without trial, such as the ISA and Emergency Ordinance as they are against the cardinal principles and law, that is, each person is entitled to a fair trial and right to be heard,” he said yesterday.

When the five were detained last December, he said, the party had voiced its concern over the repercussions.

“True enough, it was an issue during the March general election and voters turned against us partly because of the use of the ISA against the five Hindraf leaders,” he said.

[From http://thestar.com.my/news/story.asp?file=/2008/4/4/nation/20843660&sec=nation]