Friday 29 Mar 2024
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KUALA LUMPUR (Feb 10): An additional day Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim spends in jail is one more day of shame for the Malaysian government, a global human rights body says, in calling for the former opposition leader's unconditional release.

International Federation for Human Rights (FIDH) and its Malaysian member organisation, Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram), also urged the authorities to guarantee Anwar’s rights, including receiving adequate medical care according to international standards.

“It’s time the authorities put an end to the persecution of Anwar Ibrahim and immediately and unconditionally release him.

“Any additional day Anwar spends behind bars is one more day of shame for the Malaysian government and further tarnishes its battered reputation,” said FIDH president Karim Lahidji in the joint press release with Suaram.

Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy reminded that the United Nations Working Group on Arbitrary Detention (UNWGAD) in September last year, deemed Anwar’s detention arbitrary and called for his immediate release and for his political rights to be reinstated.

On Dec 17, the European Parliament adopted a resolution urging the Malaysian government to release Anwar.

“The authorities must heed the UN and EU calls, immediately free Anwar, reinstate his right to run for political office, and award him compensation for the protracted injustice he endured,” Doraisamy said.

Both bodies also alleged that Anwar’s prison doctor has denied him timely access to doctors of his choice and necessary medical tests.

Anwar requires intensive physiotherapy for a serious shoulder injury, which has worsened since his detention.

“Anwar also suffers from various gastro-intestinal problems, chronic arthritis, and irregular blood pressure.

“His prison doctor has denied him timely access to doctors of his choice and necessary medical testing.”

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