In the run-up to a rally demanding the revival of academic freedom on
Saturday, 30 students gathered to picket in Kuala Lumpur’s central
transit hub today.
However, barely minutes into the protest, police charged in and arrested
15 students, who have been taken to the beat base on the premises. They
are waiting for their lawyers to arrive.
Led by the Movement for Academic Freedom (Bebas) chairperson Mohd
Safwan Anang, the students staged a flashmob at the main entrance to the
lobby.
They had gathered in a silent protest, armed with placards protesting the oppression of academic freedom.
Their demands included the guarantee of academic autonomy and the repeal
of the controversial Universities and University Colleges Act 1971
(UUCA).
Although they were surrounded by approximately 25 police personnel
demanding that they disperse, the group was steadfast and defied the
warnings.
They held up placards reading 'We unite for academic freedom' and
'Give back university autonomy', as well as A4-size posters reading
'freedom'.
Brickfields district police OCPD Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid gave them two minutes to convey their message and disperse.
However, the students who were initially stationary, followed Mohd
Safwan when he suddenly moved towards the crowd of commuters and
onlookers.
The police reacted. In the tussle, they grabbed the placards and posters, and detained the students.
Wan Bari was overheard instructing his officers to bring in the Black
Maria. It is not yet known if those arrested will be taken elsewhere.
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