Another four held for trying to occupy Dataran
Four more protesters were detained by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officers after setting up new tents at Dataran Merdeka, following an initial raid on their camp site this morning.
Four more protesters were detained by Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) officers after setting up new tents at Dataran Merdeka, following an initial raid on their camp site this morning.
"We had put up new tents when the DBKL officers moved in ... There was a scuffle and four people were (apprehended)," said Mohd Syahid Mohd Zaini, the chairperson of student group Bangkit Malaysia.
“The officers took two students and two activists to the Dang Wangi district police headquarters.”
Those detained are students Ekhsan Bukharee Badarul Hisham and Muhammad Aliff Hafiz Zainuddin and activists Saiful Buhari Ramlan and Karim Abdullah.
According to an eyewitness Mohd Khairul Zaman Khairan, the students had just moved in their supplies about 12.30pm, when DBKL officers approached and demanded that they dismantle the tents.
The students then formed a barrier while DBKL officers attempted to take down the tents, and a scuffle ensued.
All the supplies, including food and drinks, were confiscated.
This is the second raid on the camp site within hours today, and the fourth since their occupation of the iconic square began on April 14.
Last Sunday morning, DBKL had apprehended Occupy Dataran activists Fahmi Reza and student Umar Mohd Azmi during a raid on their camp site.
Kuala Lumpur Mayor Ahmad Fuad Ismail defended the action, claiming that the officers had merely escorted the duo to a police station.
The student protesters are demanding free education, while Occupy Dataran is a movement trying reclaim public spaces.
Both groups intend to camp at Dataran Merdeka until Saturday, when the Bersih 3.0 rally takes place there.
Obstructing public officers
When met outside the police headquarters, the students’ lawyer Afiq M Noor said DBKL has lodged a report against the students for obstructing public servants on duty.
“But the police have not charged them yet. They said they are waiting for instructions,” he said.
The students, Afiq added, have lodged a counter police report against DBKL for provocation, excessive use of force and illegal arrest.
Meanwhile, Bukit Bintang MP Fong Kui Lun who was also present condemned DBKL’s action as abuse of power.
“If they don’t stop this action, we may start protesting outside DBKL headquarters,” he said.
Fong reminded the city mayor that even though he is not an elected official he has to respect the public's right to assembly.
In a statement late this evening, Kuala Lumpur state contingent police chief Mohmad Salleh confirmed the four were arrested by DBKL officers.
He said police reports have been lodged against the four individuals for preventing DBKL officers from dismantling the tents.
