The Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) has begun a public inquiry into alleged human rights violations in connection with an incident that took place on Jan 17 at Taiping Prison, Perak, which led to the death of an inmate.
Former Taiping Prison director SAC Nazri Mohamed was the first to testify at the hearing, which started today at Pusat Koreksional Kamunting (Kemta) in Kamunting, Perak.
Members of the panel and lawyers holding a watching brief for the affected families later viewed closed-circuit television (CCTV) recordings of what transpired in the prison on Jan 17.
The inquiry panel comprises Suhakam chairman Datuk Seri Hishamudin Yunus – who also chairs the panel – and two commissioners, Datuk Mariati Robert and Dr Farah Nini Dusuki. The inquiry will determine whether human rights violations occurred during the incident, establish accountability, and recommend measures to prevent a recurrence.
There have been allegations that around 100 inmates were assaulted by more than 60 prison wardens using batons and tear gas.
On Jan 25, Twentytwo13 reported that the incident led to the death of 62-year-old Gan Chin Eng, who reportedly suffered an “abdominal injury caused by blunt trauma”. He died after being rushed to Taiping Hospital.
The mother of another inmate told Twentytwo13 that her son was among those allegedly beaten – while handcuffed and with his face covered by a T-shirt. She also claimed her son did not receive proper medical attention and was only given stitches at the prison for head injuries.
Despite the gravity of the allegations, the Home Ministry, Health Ministry, Prisons Department, police, and Attorney-General’s Chambers have remained largely silent.
The first phase of the inquiry will run for four days until June 12. The second phase of the inquiry will be held from June 23 to 26.
