FIFTY-FIVE civil society groups have strongly condemned all forms of intimidation and violence against human rights activists as in the case of lawyer Siti Kasim. 

The groups said that they will continue to stand in solidarity with Siti and call on the government to take the case seriously, and to investigate and ensure her safety immediately.  

“The whole community should take steps together to prevent violence and intimidation against individuals and collectives who voice different opinions.

“We stand in solidarity with Siti and call on the police to provide her security. We also strongly condemn those who installed an improvised explosive device (IED) under her car,” they said in a statement. 

Yesterday, Siti took to social media saying an object resembling a homemade explosive device had been placed in her car.

The lawyer, in a live broadcast on her official Facebook, said the discovery was made when she sent her vehicle for maintenance at a service centre in Bangsar at noon. 

Brickfields district police chief Amihizam Abdul Shukor confirmed the two bottles filled with wires found under Siti’s car were believed to be an IED.

Amihizam said police received the distress call at 12.58pm and immediately acted on it.

“We immediately dispatched a bomb squad while the Fire and Rescue Department was also on hand to assist.

“The bomb squad managed to dispose of both bottles believed to be an IED,” he said. 

The civil society groups said while Siti is outspoken about the Orang Asli and various human rights issues, her critical thinking and progressive stance is often threatened with criticism and threats.

“The Home Ministry should be aware of this trend and work with civil society groups and the Human Rights Commission to find a solution to guarantee the safety and freedom of expression of the people, and to prevent this trend from spreading and becoming a norm. 

“In the near future, we urge the police to conduct a transparent investigation immediately and take appropriate action including bringing the perpetrators to justice as this case involves public interest.”

They added that these incidents are very worrying from many angles as it involves the safety of the public, activists and also other parties who want to voice their opinions.  – July 22, 2023.