release the sarawak three
Call on the Malaysian authorities to release three indigenous people detained without charges.
update: This cyberaction is now closed
Friends of the Earth Malaysia thanks everyone for taking part in the cyberaction. To date the following has taken place:
1. Melati Bekeni has been placed under restrictive residence in Miri under the Emergency Ordinance.
2. Marai and Bunya Sengok have been ordered by the Home Minister (under the Emergency Ordinance) to be sent to the Simpang Renggam Rehabilitation Centre in Johor for 2 years.
All 3 have retained lawyers and will be contesting the Home Minister's Order.
The cyberaction has now closed as all 3 detainees will be engaging the legal system to seek for their full release.
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Friends of the Earth Malaysia is calling on you to speak out in support
of six indigenous Malaysians who were arrested and held without charge by the Malaysian police
in Bintulu, Sarawak in December 2008.
The six (two women and four men) are all of Iban origin and from
families who have continually defended their ancestral land diligently
from plantation and logging companies. Three of the six, one of whom is a breastfeeding mother, are still being detained for further
investigations under a law established during Malaysia's emergency period
in 1969, meaning they can be held for up to 60 days without trial.
The denial and delay of a trial in a court of law is a fundamental
breach of natural justice. In addition, the detainees' acts cannot be
substantiated with solid evidence. Numerous letters have been sent
appealing for information and the release of the detainees, without a response.
The prisoners are being denied certain human rights, in particular
Melati the breastfeeding mother. Initially she was at least allowed to
breastfeed her daughter, Victoria, twice daily, despite the unpleasant environment. However, between 15 and 27 January 2009, Melati was repeatedly refused access to Victoria. Only after the Malaysian Human Rights Commission intervened after Friends of the Earth Malaysia's appeal, the police have allowed Melati access to her children.
take action
Friends of the Earth Malaysia now needs your help in securing the release of the group. Please fill out the online petition which will be sent to various officials linked to the case including the Chief Minister of Sarawak, the State Secretary of Sarawak and the Attorney General of Sarawak.
