Release the hindraf supporters: Dr Koh to police

Butterworth (Malaysia), Aug 25: The police should free the Hindraf supporters who were arrested for participating in illegal assembly outside a Hindu temple on Saturday, Aug 23. Gerakan acting President Dr Koh Tsu Koon said that he had made a request to Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak and the police to release the detainees, if they did not have previous criminal records.

Dr Koh made the call when speaking to reporters at Kampung Bagan Serai, The Star reported.

"It was an emotionally-charged situation but since they were not violent, we feel that they should be released," he said.

Nine people, including Hindraf co-ordinator R S Thanenthiran, were arrested outside the temple in Jalan Todak, Seberang Jaya, when they refused to disperse after being ordered to do so by the police.

Thanenthiran and six other Hindraf supporters have been remanded until today to facilitate the police investigation.

Police released two women on Sunday, Aug 24. Both were earlier arrested with the men for the offence.

Central Seberang Prai police media relation officer Supt Shaharon Anuar Abdul Latif confirmed that the seven were still in police custody pending the outcome of the investigation.

ANI