POLICE have summoned four activists today over the short animation film, Chili Powder & Thinner, on abuse in police custody.

The activists to be questioned are three from Suara Rakyat Malaysia (Suaram) – Kua Kia Soong, Sevan Doraisamy, and Mohammad Alshatri – and Sharon Wah, who is with Misi Solidariti.

The four were suspected of being involved in the making of the film that was premiered by the Freedom Film Network (FFN) at the recent Freedom Film Festival.

“All four of them will be called for investigation at 12pm at the Bukit Aman police headquarters,” Suaram said in a statement.

Police called them for questioning following an investigation against FFN founder Anna Har and cartoonist Amin Landak, last week.

Police last week also searched the FFN office in Petaling Jaya and Amin’s house.

Chili Powder & Thinner recorded allegations of police violence based on a victim’s experience, as narrated to Suaram.

Amin had adapted into film the account of a teenager who was arrested and allegedly beaten in police custody.

Civil society groups have heavily criticised police action against the filmmakers as an attack on freedom of speech and an attempt to cover up allegations of police misconduct.

Calls have also been renewed for the government to immediately set up an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission to maintain the professionalism of the police force. – July 6, 2021.