Bersih slams cops for detaining activist over tweet

SHAH ALAM - Election watchdog Bersih condemns the arrest of activist Jay Jay Denis over a Twitter post on Ali Rustam's convoy last month, further stating the Melaka governor is not above criticism.

In the statement, Bersih said state governors are also public servants and are under taxpayers' payroll and are under public scrutiny.

"Taking their power for granted and attempting to silence legitimate criticism will only undermine the legitimacy of the state-level highest public office and even parliamentary democracy.

"Bersih is alarmed that such a benign tweet would invite disproportionate retaliation, with three officers showing up to arrest a citizen for speaking up against a public official," it said in a statement.

Due to that, the watchdog said the authorities unjustified action reminds the public of the need of an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC).

Bersih further called on authorities to respect constitutional rights and cease all threats and intimidations, especially in the run-up to 15th General Election (GE15).

Bersih also urged all citizens to express their support for Jay Jay and other victims of human rights violations.

Yesterday Jay Jay was detained by police after his Sept 6 tweet over Melaka governor Ali Rustam's convoy, claiming to have seen "eight (police) outriders and three escort cars" blocking the traffic on Sprint Highway before making a U-turn.

"I thought there was an official national function, but no," Jay Jay wrote, claiming that Ali and his family were at a restaurant for a dinner.