Suhakam to also investigate custodial death
Regina LeePublished: Jan 11, 2011 8:06 PM | Updated: Jan 11, 2011 8:18 PM
The National Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) will also be keeping a keen eye on the latest death in police custody, that of M Krishnan.
Apart from talking to witnesses of the alleged police beating, the commission also intends to view Krishnan’s body for themselves.
Human rights panel wants to talk to witnesses and view the body of M Krishnan, who died in police custody.
The National Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) will also be keeping a keen eye on the latest death in police custody, that of M Krishnan.
Apart from talking to witnesses of the alleged police beating, the commission also intends to view Krishnan’s body for themselves.
Friends and family have claimed that he was beaten to death in the Bukit Jalil police station lock-up last Friday while the police, together with the hospital, claimed that he had died of a stomach ulcer.
However, Krishnan’s friend A Sargunan lodged a police report today claiming that he saw police punching and kicking Krishnan in the lock-up itself.
However, the police had apparently informed Suhakam that the body has been released to the family, therefore their permission is required before anyone else can view it.
“So far, we can’t trace the family,” said commissioner Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah (right) when contacted by Malaysiakini.
He said that the commission will be visiting the hospital, as well as interviewing the witness later.
‘The police should not be antagonistic’
The commissioner also reminded the police not to be antagonistic in handling the case.
“We have also written to the police and the inspector-general of police to facilitate the second post-mortem. We hope the police do not treat this with hostility or be antagonistic about this.
“(Suhakam) is a part of this criminal justice system. We are also helping the police to bring criminals to justice. There shouldn’t be any resistance or obstacles by the police,” he said.
He also hit out at the conditions imposed by the police for a second post-mortem which includes a court order.
“Under what law can’t they allow? These are small things that create negative picture of an enforcement agency... If anyone is doubtful about the first port-mortem, it’s their right to have a second one.
“Any reasonable authority will not deny it,” he said.
He also called for people to take Suhakam seriously in the future.
Speaking on behalf of the commission that has been sometimes labelled as a “toothless tiger”, Muhammad Sha’ani said that Suhakam wants to be more involved in such cases.
“Don’t just hold press conferences and not tell us of the cases. Let us be involved lah,” he said.
Apart from talking to witnesses of the alleged police beating, the commission also intends to view Krishnan’s body for themselves.
Friends and family have claimed that he was beaten to death in the Bukit Jalil police station lock-up last Friday while the police, together with the hospital, claimed that he had died of a stomach ulcer.
However, Krishnan’s friend A Sargunan lodged a police report today claiming that he saw police punching and kicking Krishnan in the lock-up itself.However, the police had apparently informed Suhakam that the body has been released to the family, therefore their permission is required before anyone else can view it.
“So far, we can’t trace the family,” said commissioner Muhammad Sha’ani Abdullah (right) when contacted by Malaysiakini.
He said that the commission will be visiting the hospital, as well as interviewing the witness later.
‘The police should not be antagonistic’
The commissioner also reminded the police not to be antagonistic in handling the case.
“We have also written to the police and the inspector-general of police to facilitate the second post-mortem. We hope the police do not treat this with hostility or be antagonistic about this.
“(Suhakam) is a part of this criminal justice system. We are also helping the police to bring criminals to justice. There shouldn’t be any resistance or obstacles by the police,” he said.
He also hit out at the conditions imposed by the police for a second post-mortem which includes a court order.
“Under what law can’t they allow? These are small things that create negative picture of an enforcement agency... If anyone is doubtful about the first port-mortem, it’s their right to have a second one.
“Any reasonable authority will not deny it,” he said.
He also called for people to take Suhakam seriously in the future.
Speaking on behalf of the commission that has been sometimes labelled as a “toothless tiger”, Muhammad Sha’ani said that Suhakam wants to be more involved in such cases.
“Don’t just hold press conferences and not tell us of the cases. Let us be involved lah,” he said.
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