Sunday, June 29, 2008

Police appeal: Let's not have trial by media

Police appeal: Let's not have trial by media

KUALA LUMPUR, June 29 — Police appealed to journalists not to turn the allegations of sodomy against de facto Parti Keadilan Rakyat (PKR) leader Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim into a trial by media.

Federal CID director Datuk Bakri Zinin said the police needed time to conduct a fair and thorough investigation into the charges brought against Anwar by his 23-year-old aide.

“Investigations have just begun, so give us time to carry out the probe. Do not turn the issue into a trial by the media,” he said at a press conference at city police headquarters today.

The aide, who started working for Anwar only after the March 8 elections, lodged a police report at the beat base at the Kuala Lumpur Hospital yesterday about 5.45pm.

“Presently, the claims made the aide are mere allegations or hearsay, so we have to ascertain the truth first before deciding on the next course of action,” Bakri replied.

“We must ensure that justice is served for both the victim and the alleged offender. I do not want to comment on the victim because we have to safeguard his privacy as well,” Bakri said.

When asked about government interference or pressure in the investigations, Bakri said the police were responsible for upholding the law. “We promise the investigation conducted will be just, fair and above board. At the same time, be fair to the police and give us time to conduct the probe,” Bakri said.

However, he warned that action would be taken against anybody planning to hold illegal gatherings or demonstrations.

“Do not try to pressure us to halt investigations by organising illegal rallies or gatherings. We will not hesitate to take stern action.. do not speculate or assume that police have private agendas... we are only interested in the facts. Action will be taken against those who threaten national security with the spreading of text messages and rumour mongering.”

Asked about whether Anwar would be interviewed or arrested under Section 117 of the Criminal Procedure Code, Bakri said first, police had to ascertain whether there was any truth to the allegation.

(Under Section 117 of the CPC, a person may be remanded for up to seven days if the offence is punishable for imprisonment of less than 14 years. If the offence is punishable by death or imprisonment of more than 14 years, the remand can be up to 14 days.)

Questions about allegations by Anwar that Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Musa Hassan and Attorney-General Tan Sri Gani Patail had fabricated evidence in the cases launched against him in 1998 and 1999 were dismissed.

“If there are any such allegations, then he can lodge a report and the claims will be investigated by the police,” Bakri said. In his statement, Anwar claimed he had evidence implicating Musa and Gani in the fabrication of evidence.

About death threats made against Anwar, Bakri said he had not heard anything but added that if it was true, a police report should be made.

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