IGP & Other Defendants Pay Maria Chin RM25k in Damages For Wrongfully Detaining Her Under Sosma

Earlier today (18 Feb), former Bersih 2.0 chairman and Petaling Jaya MP Maria Chin Abdullah’s suit against the Inspector-General of Police and two other defendants was settled in the High Court. The suit was regarding her detention under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012 (Sosma) back in 2016.

According to The Star, Maria Chin’s lawyer, Datuk Dr Gurdial Singh Nijar, stated that the IGP, the Home Minister and the Malaysian government agreed to pay her RM25,000 in damages. The settlement was reached without admission of liability. All defendants also agreed to pay the cost of RM5,000 to Maria.

Source: the mole

Maria Chin was arrested and detained under Sosma at Bersih’s office on 18th November 2016, the day before the Bersih 5 rally. She was in detention for 10 days and believes that it was politically motivated and to frighten the public from attending the rally. 

The Bersih 5 rally ended up being attended by thousands of Malaysians, many of them showing up in solidarity with the former chairman, with the #BebasMaria movement quickly gaining momentum.

Source: projekmm

On the 6th of August 2018, the Petaling Jaya MP sued the defendants for wrongfully arresting and detaining her.

She claims her arrest was aimed to suppress her, stating that she was forced to sleep in a cell with no windows or mattresses, pillows, and blankets. However, the defendants claimed the arrest was lawful and had no ulterior motives.

Well, we’re glad that this case has been settled amicably. What are your thoughts on this? Let us know in the comments below. 

Also read: United Nations Tells Malaysian Government To Let Bersih 5 Rally Continue In Peace