An international civil rights group today expressed its dismay at the government's decision not to release reformasi activists detained under the Internal Security Act (ISA) despite a Federal Court ruling that their initial detention was unlawful.

Amnesty International (AI) said the five men arrested last year are "prisoners of conscience" as the government had not made any evidence publicly to support allegations that the detainees were plotting to overthrow the government by 'militant' means.

"Amnesty International believes that these men are held solely on account of their peaceful dissenting political activities. They have been denied fundamental rights to liberty, freedom of expression and a fair trial. The Malaysian government has today passed up a golden opportunity to right a grave injustice," said AI in a press statement.

Yesterday, Deputy Prime Minister Abdullah Ahmad Badawi said the activists would not be released as the government had ordered their detention based on valid national security concerns.

The issue arose after the Federal Court, on Sept 6, allowed an appeal by the activists that the first 60 days of their detention under the ISA were unlawful.

However, the court ruled that the activists would have to file a fresh habeas corpus application in order to challenge the two-year detention order signed by Abdullah. The activists still under detention have rejected this suggestion.

Repeal ISA

Meanwhile, AI reiterated its opposition to the government's continued use of the ISA in a "politically-motivated" and "selective" manner.

"Opposition activists, academics, students, trade unionists and other peaceful members of civil society continue to be detained," said the civil rights group.

The organisation also renewed its call for the repeal of the ISA and for those detained under it to be charged under recognisable offences or be unconditionally released.

AI's call came after more than 100 police stopped a planned anti-ISA meeting from taking place at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall in Kuala Lumpur last night.

During the three-hour standoff, about 10 persons were beaten by riot police when they tried to enter the building.

Police said they had acted under section 27 of the Police Act which empowers them to stop activities that take place in a private location if they deem that the activities may be prejudicial to national security interests.

The reformasi leaders currently detained under the ISA are Keadilan vice-president Tian Chua, party leader Saari Sungib and malaysiakini columnist-cum-film maker Hishammuddin Rais.

The fourth activist, Keadilan Youth chief Mohd Ezam Mohd Nor, has since been convicted of an offence under the Official Secrets Act and is now serving a two-year jail term at the Kajang prison.

Another reformasi activist, Raja Petra Raja Kamaruddin, was released before the expiry of the 60-day period.

Meanwhile, the habeas corpus application of two other reformasi detainees Keadilan leaders Lokman Noor Adam and Dr Badrulamin Baharon is pending in court.