Saifuddin lied, I saw my husband's wounds: Sosma detainee's wife
N Faizal Ghazali
Published: Feb 24, 2025 10:05 PM
Updated: 1:05 AM
Summary
- Families of Sosma detainees accuse Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail of lying after he denied allegations of abuse against 32 hunger strikers at Sungai Buloh Prison.
- Prem Sri, a detainee’s wife, claims she saw her husband’s injuries.
- Lawyers for Liberty demands the suspension of implicated prison officers, a Royal Commission Inquiry, and the release of all 32 detainees.
The families of detainees held under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) at Sungai Buloh Prison have accused Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail of lying when he denied allegations of abuse against 32 individuals who recently staged a hunger strike.
Speaking at a press conference today, the wife of one of the detainees, who wished to be known as Prem Sri, 37, insisted that she had personally seen the injuries her husband sustained from being beaten.
“So when the minister denies it, I believe that is a lie.
“I visited my husband on Feb 16, and he told me that he was indeed beaten, kicked, and caned by prison officers on Feb 12.
“He also showed me wounds and bruises and complained of pain when urinating.
“When the minister denies that he was beaten, we feel very sad and sincerely hope for a fair investigation,” she said.
Prem also urged Saifuddin to retract his previous statement.
The press conference was held at the Lawyers for Liberty (LFL) office in Petaling Jaya, Selangor, and was attended by four representatives of the detainees’ families.
Denial
On Feb 13, Saifuddin denied allegations that Sosma detainees had been beaten at Sungai Buloh Prison.
“This story came out yesterday (Feb 12) and I received many questions. As a first step, I immediately contacted the Prison Department commissioner-general to check on the matter and report back to me.
Home Minister Saifuddin Nasution Ismail
“I have received a full report indicating the assault never happened,” he stated.
However, Saifuddin promised that the police would still probe the allegations.
“The wife said it (the assault) happened, and she has lodged a report. We have nothing to hide.
“If a report had been lodged, the police are duty-bound to launch an investigation,” said the minister.
Key demands
LFL lawyer N Surendran today outlined three demands from the authorities regarding the case.
First, he said, all prison officers involved in the case should be suspended to ensure a transparent investigation.
“I have received a full report indicating the assault never happened,” he stated.
However, Saifuddin promised that the police would still probe the allegations.
“The wife said it (the assault) happened, and she has lodged a report. We have nothing to hide.
“If a report had been lodged, the police are duty-bound to launch an investigation,” said the minister.
Key demands
LFL lawyer N Surendran today outlined three demands from the authorities regarding the case.
First, he said, all prison officers involved in the case should be suspended to ensure a transparent investigation.
Lawyer N Surendran
“Secondly, we want the government to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry to conduct a detailed and comprehensive investigation into this case.
“Thirdly, all 32 Sosma detainees involved should be released from detention, and if there are any investigations against them, they should be carried out under normal legal procedures,” he said.
Lawyer Latheefa Koya stated that the abuse of the detainees was not just a rumour or gossip.
She questioned why Saifuddin was so quick to deny the allegations and defend those accused of committing the act.
“This is a very serious matter, and more than 10 days have passed. We have not received any news about actions taken against any officers involved.
“There has been no confirmation of this matter or any announcement of an investigation. This is Malaysia - what is happening?” she asked, while also highlighting the suffering detainees endure while awaiting justice.
“Secondly, we want the government to establish a Royal Commission of Inquiry to conduct a detailed and comprehensive investigation into this case.
“Thirdly, all 32 Sosma detainees involved should be released from detention, and if there are any investigations against them, they should be carried out under normal legal procedures,” he said.
Lawyer Latheefa Koya stated that the abuse of the detainees was not just a rumour or gossip.
She questioned why Saifuddin was so quick to deny the allegations and defend those accused of committing the act.
“This is a very serious matter, and more than 10 days have passed. We have not received any news about actions taken against any officers involved.
“There has been no confirmation of this matter or any announcement of an investigation. This is Malaysia - what is happening?” she asked, while also highlighting the suffering detainees endure while awaiting justice.
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