ORGANISERS of peaceful rallies should not be subjected to police probes as such gatherings are constitutional, said leaders of a civil group who have been called up over last week’s “Black Thursday” event.

Eliminating Deaths and Abuse in Custody Together (Edict) held the rally, aimed at increasing awareness on deaths in custody, opposite the Bar Council building in Kuala Lumpur.

Executive director Khalid Ismath, in a statement, said police should focus on serious cases instead of wasting resources by investigating the event’s organisers.

“There is no need to investigate us, as peaceful rallies are allowed under Article 10 of the federal constitution.

“The investigation into us is just a waste of time and money. The cops can use this time to look into more serious matters.”

Earlier today, police summoned Khalid, Edict spokesman Rama Ramanathan and Parti Sosialis Malaysia deputy chairman S. Arutchelvan for questioning.

Rama had told The Malaysian Insight that he was baffled as to why he had been called up as his name was not in a notice submitted to the force.

Khalid said the group is disappointed with police as the rally ended peacefully.

“There was no trouble, so why the need for an investigation? We were told that the report was lodged by a senior police officer.”

Arutchelvan, meanwhile, said he will answer all of police’s questions in court.

“They asked me a list of questions, and I told them that I’ll answer in court. I told them that they’re wasting their time.”

The trio were accompanied by lawyers M. Visvanathan, Raj Surian Pillai and Farida Mohamad.

They arrived at the Dang Wangi district police station at 11am and left about two hours later. – July 20, 2020.