A Malaysian rights group condemned on Monday the use of a harsh security law to detain a Sri Lankan alleged to be involved in an international nuclear black-market. Describing the use of the Internal Security Act (ISA) to arrest businessman B.S.A Tahir Friday as an abuse of power, the Abolish ISA Movement urged the government to charge the Sri Lankan in an open court or release him immediately. The ISA allows for two-year detention periods, without trial, that can be renewed indefinitely. Abolish ISA Movement coordinator Syed Ibrahim Syed Noh said Tahir’s detention under the ISA was a "blatant attempt by the government to sidestep legal procedure." | If they arrested him under the ISA, they are following legal procedure. It's just that you don't like the ISA. |
The group also asked if Tahir’s detention was an attempt by "the government to cover up other important persons in the scandal of nuclear weapons (to prevent them) from being exposed." | If he happens to commit suicide, or get's shot trying to escape, I'd say yes. Of course, they could also be using the arrest to pressure him to name some of those important people. |
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