Street demonstration in KL ends with multiple arrests
The chaotic situation at the street demonstration in city centre earlier today. - Astro AWANI/Shahir Omar
A street demonstration took place in front of the KL Sogo shopping centre today, purportedly as an act of protest against Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Razak following recent political developments.
Despite being warned by Inspector-General of Police, Tan Sri Khalid Abu Bakar on Wednesday, the organisers -- a group of youngsters who called themselves "Demi Malaysia" -- had decided to continue with the rally.
The organisers had reportedly said they expected a participation of more than 500 people today. However, Astro AWANI observed that only some 50 people turned up for the event.
In its tweet at 3.56pm today, Demi Malaysia under the tweet handle @demi_msia claimed that a total of 26 of their activists were held by police during the demonstration.
This, however, has yet to be clarified by the police. When contacted, Dang Wangi OCPD, ACP Zainol Samah, said the police will issue a statement on the matter soon.
Police yesterday arrested two activists, Adam Adli and Syukri Rezab, believed to be in connection with the planning of today's demonstration.
Their lawyer, Michelle Yesudas confirmed that the duo were detained at the Dang Wangi police station and arrested under Section 4 of the Sedition Act 1948.
Earlier, Astro AWANI journalist, Mariah Ahmad was on location to report the happenings at the demonstration live.
3:32PM Calm returns to the city centre as the demonstration comes to an end. Despite the gathering earlier, traffic in the city was reported to be normal.
Police officers, however, are still seen lingering around Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman and Jalan Esfahan.
3:22PM There are now six police buses in the area.
3:20PM It is estimated that some 100 police officers are currently at the scene.
3:10PM Two Royal Malaysian Police buses arrive in front of KL Sogo.
3:07PM Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman is reopened to the public.
3:07PM Police are asking both members of the public and media to remove themselves from lingering at the entrance to KL Sogo.
2:59PM Shoppers who are trying to gain access to KL Sogo are being told to use the shopping centre's back entrance to do so.
2:57PM A section of Jalan Tuanku Abdul Rahman has been cordoned off, as well as the main entrance to KL Sogo shopping centre.
2:41PM Among the five detained is Fahmi Zainol, a student activist. Like Chah and Tan, he also claims ignorance on the reason of his arrest.
2:31PM The situation near KL Sogo starts to get chaotic as five more individuals are detained.
2:27PM Two explosions are heard in the background as two more individuals are arrested.
2:25PM Chah and Tan are detained by police. The duo, however, claim they are not sure of the reason
2:17PM The police ask for PKR's Teja assemblyman Chah Lih Kang and Simpang Pulai assemblyman Tan Kar Hing to disperse, but the duo says they were confused by the police's orders.
2:10PM People have begun to gather at the entrance of the shopping centre. Despite the growing crowd, the situation remains calm.
1:23PM Several police trucks are seen around the KL Sogo area for the impending demonstration.
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