Malaysia
Journalist arrested for asking too many questionsPosted Apr 2 2008
Over 50 people were arrested during a protest rally against rising costs of fuel and other consumer goods at the Twin Towers in Kuala Lumpur Jan. 26. Journalist Syed Jaymal Zahiid, a correspondent for the Malaysian news website Malaysiakini.com, was held for “asking too many questions,” according to The Star (Malaysia). He was charged with obstruction of a police officer, which carries a sentence of two yeares in prison and possible fines.
According to Jaymal, he identified himself as a journalist and was asking police why they were arresting the protesters.
Jaymal was released on bail after two days in police custody, during which he was beaten and assaulted, according to Malaysiakini editor K. Kabilan. Reports of alleged assault and illegal detention have been since filed.
Malaysiakini is a daily independent news organization, separate from the majority print and broadcast media that require licensing from the government or are owned by political parties.