Cops warn wanted Bersih protesters to turn selves in
Mohmad holds up photographs of people wanted by police over their part in Bersih 3.0, during a press conference in Kuala Lumpur May 3, 2012. — Picture by Jack OoiKUALA LUMPUR, May 14 — Police have detained 21 participants of the April 28 rally as of yesterday, and still waiting for 120 others to surrender by tomorrow after their faces were published in the media.
Deputy Inspector-General of Police Datuk Seri Khalid Abu Bakar said the 21 detained included those who surrendered or were detained at home.
He said, overall, police had published 141 photographs of those believed to have been involved in the rally at Dataran Merdeka.
“We will track down and detain those who have not surrendered. We don’t need warrants of arrest because rioting is a common offence,” he told reporters after launching a blood donation campaign at the Kuala Lumpur Police Contingent Headquarters, here, today.
On April 28, some participants breached a police barrier to enter Dataran Merdeka, breaking an order by the Kuala Lumpur Magistrates’ Court baring the public from Dataran Merdeka from April 28 to May 1.
Following the incident, police published the photographs of those believed to have participated, through the media.
Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department Director Datuk Seri Bakri Zinin said the police would go from house to house to arrest the participants who refused to surrender, starting Wednesday, after the one week period given for them to surrender, expires.
Kuala Lumpur City Hall did not allow the gathering to be carried out at Dataran Merdeka, and provided an alternative site, since it said Dataran Merdeka was only suitable for official national functions. — Bernama
