Three more nabbed over attack on ‘Occupy Dataran’
People attend to an activist seated at the side of a road, following the pre-dawn attack at Dataran Merdeka on April 19, 2012. — Picture courtesy of “Occupy Dataran”KUALA LUMPUR, April 23 — Three more people have been arrested over an alleged attack on “Occupy Dataran” activists last week, Bernama Online reported today.
According to city police chief Datuk Mohmad Salleh, the arrests were in addition to the four arrests made earlier over the same incident.
On Thursday, the activists camped out at Dataran Merdeka reported they were attacked by a mob of between 60 and 70 unidentified men in a pre-dawn incident.
A nearly five-minute long video of the assault, which was uploaded on YouTube, showed a group of young men dressed in printed black T-shirts rushing towards another gathering of men, including those dressed in the striking yellow Bersih T-shirts, and attempting to kick at them.
The video did not capture any of the alleged assault, but contained sounds of a commotion in the background. Most of the words are undecipherable, but some are clearly enunciated, such as some men’s voices yelling “Bodoh!” (Stupid) and “Assalamualaikum” repeatedly.
Several figures, including those dressed in police uniform, were seen trying to break up the melee and telling onlookers to disperse.
The attack drew an immediate condemnation by human rights group Suaram, who noted that the incident was not the first time violence was used to disrupt peaceful demonstrations.
“Occupy Dataran” has since run up against further problems. Yesterday, two of its activists were arrested while City Hall officials also seized tents and camping equipment used in its campaign.
The movement’s stated aim is to reclaim public spaces for the purpose of promoting participatory democracy.
