Saifuddin had denied allegations that Sosma detainees had been beaten at Sungai Buloh Prison.
The families of detainees held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) at Sungai Buloh Prison have accused Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail of lying when he denied allegations of abuse against 32 individuals who recently staged a hunger strike.
Speaking at a press conference, Prem Sri, 37, the wife of one of the detainees, insisted she had personally seen the injuries her husband sustained from being beaten.
“So when the minister denies it, I believe that is a lie.
“I visited my husband on 16 February, and he told me he was beaten, kicked, and caned by prison officers on 12 February.
“He also showed me wounds and bruises and complained of pain when urinating.
“When the minister denies that he was beaten, we feel very sad and sincerely hope for a fair investigation,” she said.
Prem urged Saifuddin to retract his previous statement. The press conference, held at the Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) office in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, was attended by four representatives of the detainees’ families.
Minister’s denial and investigation pledge
On 13 February, Saifuddin denied allegations that Sosma detainees had been beaten at Sungai Buloh Prison.
“This story came out yesterday (12 February), and I received many questions. As a first step, I immediately contacted the Prison Department commissioner-general to check on the matter and report back to me.
“I have received a full report indicating the assault never happened,” he stated.
However, Saifuddin assured that the police would still investigate the allegations.
“The wife said it (the assault) happened, and she has lodged a report. We have nothing to hide.
“If a report has been lodged, the police are duty-bound to launch an investigation,” he said.
Demands for accountability
LFL lawyer N Surendran outlined three key demands from the authorities regarding the case:
- All prison officers involved should be suspended to ensure a transparent investigation.
- The government should establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry for a detailed and comprehensive investigation.
- All 32 Sosma detainees involved should be released, and any investigations against them should proceed under normal legal procedures.
Lawyer Latheefa Koya asserted that the abuse allegations were not mere rumours or gossip. She questioned why Saifuddin was quick to deny the allegations and defend the accused officers.
“This is a very serious matter, and more than 10 days have passed. We have not received any news about actions taken against any officers involved.
“There has been no confirmation of this matter or any announcement of an investigation. This is Malaysia – what is happening?” she asked, highlighting the suffering detainees endure while awaiting justice.