Saturday August 18, 2012

Early release for 12 ISA detainees

SUNGAI BULOH: Twelve Internal Security Act (ISA) detainees were granted early release by the Government effective yesterday, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hishammuddin Hussein said.

They comprised eight people involved in human smuggling syndicates while the others were involved in terrorism. Seven are Malaysians, three Indonesians and two Pakistanis.

“The release was done after the Government was satisfied that they had undergone the needed rehabilitation, realised the offences they had committed and are no longer a threat to national security based on reports by the police,” Hishammuddin told reporters during a visit to Sungai Buloh Prison yesterday.

<b>Warm reception:</b> Hishammuddin shaking hands with staff members during his visit to Sungai Buloh Prison.

Warm reception: Hishammuddin shaking hands with staff members during his visit to Sungai Buloh Prison.

With the release, the Government has freed a total of 25 people arrested under the ISA since the law was repealed and replaced with the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act, which came into effect on July 31.

Hishammuddin said among the offences committed by the eight who were involved in human smuggling-related activities included forging the Immigration Department’s entry and exit passport stamps and forging Malaysian and international passports.

The four involved in terrorism were linked to two groups – Darul Islam and Jemaah Islamiah.

With yesterday’s release, Hishammuddin said there were 11 Malaysians and 19 foreigners who are still under detention under the ISA.

“With the enforcement of the new Security Offences Act, we can review the position of the remaining detainees under the ISA to find out whether they should be charged in court or sent back to their home countries in the case of the non-Malaysians.”

On the Janji Bersih gathering being organised by a group of non-governmental organisations on the eve of the Merdeka celebrations at Dataran Merdeka in Kuala Lumpur, Hishammuddin said any group whose actions jeopardised security would face action.

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