The #TangkapNajib rally in downtown Kuala Lumpur fizzled out after police launched a pre-emptive strike and arrested 29 people as participants began to trickle in.

 
Half an hour before the rally began, some 80 police officers and several police trucks were already deployed outside Sogo shopping mall, the site of the protest.

Among those arrested include activist Anne Ooi, better known as 'Auntie Bersih', Klang MP Charles Santiago's aide Jay Jay Dennis, and student activist Fahmi Zainol.

Also arrested is activist Nashita Md Noor and her 14-year-old daughter.

At least one was detained for allegedly throwing a firecracker.

Kuala Lumpur police chief Tajudin Md Isa said 23 men and six women aged 14 to 69 were arrested in the operation.

They will be investigated under Section 124 of the Penal Code for activities detrimental to parliamentary democracy and Section 143 of the same act for participating in an unlawful assembly.

Human rights lawyer Eric Paulsen, who was on the scene said the arrests were uncalled for.

 

"It's just shocking. The rally hasn't even started yet. This is pre-emptive arrest by the police," he told  Malaysiakini .

The Sogo Shopping Mall and Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman were also momentarily closed for the crackdown.

 
Arrests started last night

 

Earlier today, Bernama reported KL deputy police chief Law Hong Soon warning that police will arrest the rally's organisers and participants.
 
Prior to the rally, several other activists involved in the planning of the protest, namely Adam Adli Abdul Halim, Mandeep Singh and Shukri Abd Razab were detained by police in an overnight operation.

Another activist Hishammuddin Rais was also arrested by police this afternoon.

"I am being taken to Dang Wangi district police headquarters," he told Malaysiakini .

The #TangkapNajib rally was organised by Demi Malaysia, a coalition of activists, to call for Prime Minister Najib Abdul Razak's arrest for alleged corruption and abuse of power.

Earlier, Teja state assemblyperson Chang Lih Kang (photo) criticised the heavy police pressence over a peaceful protest.

 
"It is a bit heavy-handed... but we will do what we have to do," he said.

Chang was also among those arrested.

Calm has returned to the area, although police are still on the scene in case of any surprise protest.

Demi Malaysia will be organising a solidarity rally at 8pm outside the Kuala Lumpur police headquarters where the detained are being held.

Bersih: Gov't 'desperate'

In an immediate reaction to the crackdown, election watchdog Bersih issued a statement condemning the arrests as a denial of civil liberties.

The group said it also showed how desperate the government was to silence critics.

"The government's attitude strengthens public perception that it is desperate to silence those who dare to call out their lies, especially those involving the 1MDB scandal and the prime minister's private accounts," Bersih said.

They urged the public to open their eyes, and recognise the importance of joining the planned Bersih 4 mega rally on Aug 29 and 30 to call for the resignation of the prime minister.

 

Related reports

'Umno allows trust account under president's name'

'Where's Paul Low when MACC officials arrested?'

29 nabbed as cops quash #TangkapNajib rally

MACC prosecutor on 1MDB trail also arrested

Cops nab ex-MACC adviser, AG's Chambers officer

'MACC and AGC arrests to intimidate task force?'

'Muhyiddin may face Umno discipline for leaked video'

MP slams Zahid's double standards on leaked video

Najib: I'll show Umno's money if opposition does

Mahathir may stay clear of 1MDB for fear of police

Dr M: Those who came to me now back Najib again

'I only sacked criminal DPM, what about Najib?'

After reshuffle, PM urged to crack down on enemies

Negri MB roasts Muhyiddin for not backing Najib

PM: S'wak Report cannot decide M'sia's leader

'No trouble brewing in Johor despite DPM ouster'

PM assures grassroots 1MDB debts being slashed

Don't be emotional, ousted Umno leaders' supporters told

No smoke without fire in 'PM's charge sheet'

Police deny arresting sacked AG Gani Patail

Jasa booklets 'explain' Najib woes at Umno meet

US to steer clear of Najib's scandal in KL visit

Toppling Najib or the government?

Make AG account to Parliament, says Aziz Bari

Pre-emptive strike against ‘arrest PM’ plan?

'RM2.6b in PM's accounts' not a private matter

Najib can only delay, but not prevent his exit