Date:14/12/2007 URL: http://www.thehindu.com/2007/12/14/stories/2007121450160100.htm

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Hindraf leaders arrested under tough law

P. S. Suryanarayana

SINGAPORE: Malaysia on Thursday arrested five leaders and activists of the Hindu Rights Action Force (Hindraf) under the Internal Security Act (ISA), sparking protest against the use of the “draconian law” and raising political concern that the move could “exacerbate tensions” in the multiracial country. The five are: the group’s main leader, P. Uthayakumar, V. Ganapati Rao (whose name is also spelt as Ganabatirau), M. Manoharan, R. Gengadharan, and P. Vasanthakumar (whose name is also spelt as Vasanthan).

A key Hindraf leader, P. Waytha Moorty, who is also believed to be under the scanner of the Malaysian authorities, is abroad, canvassing support for the “cause” of a “fair deal” for the ethnic Indian minority in his country.

Up to two years jail

Announcing the arrest, Malaysia’s Deputy Internal Security Minister Johari Baharom said: “They can be held for two years for sedition and also for carrying out activities that threaten national security.” There was, however, no immediate authoritative word, about the specifics on these two counts.

The ISA provides for a person’s arrest without warrant and follow-up detention without trial for an initial period of up to 60 days.

Thereafter, the person could either be set free or detained for further periods of up to two years each, all without recourse to the courts.