Zunar’s book launch gets underway – even as the cartoonist is in detention.
2035: Special guest Nizar Jamaluddin has just arrived.
2030: “First time author not present at his own book launch!” tweets Malaysiakini CEO Premesh Chandran.
2020: About 70 people plus media personnel are now at SCAH for the book launch.
2000: People are arriving for the launch of Zunar’s ‘Cartoon-o-phobia’ book at the Selangor Chinese Assembly Hall. Special guest Nizar Jamaluddin is expected to turn up.
Paula leading the crowd with a freedom song
Riot police arrived as the event was winding down
Shining the light for justice and freedom in the land
All eyes will now be on the vigils in Petaling Jaya and Ipoh tomorrow.
2358: The rumour goes out among those outside that B K Ong has been arrested. But Chin Tong confirms over the phone that B K Ong is safe and sound with him inside the station. The small crowd of about 20 outside the police station are now allowed to enter the premises.
2321: Chin Tong sends me a text message:
She’s actually arrested. But probably (to be) released soon.
2258: Bukit Bendera MP Liew Chin Tong has been allowed into the police station. He tells me over the phone he understands that she has not been formally arrested but they are questioning her at the moment.
2154: Four or five activists and friends, along with several journalists, are now outside the police station. They have not been allowed to enter the compound.
2133: Singer-guitarist Paula Khoo was detained by police as the Abolish ISA vigil in Penang drew to a close after 8.30 pm, just about 30 minutes after it had begun. Ironically, Paula, who was the emcee for the night, was detained minutes after leading the crowd in a rendition of “Sing a song of freedom”.
As the event was winding down, police including about a dozen light strike force personnel arrived. An officer using a loud hailer gave the crowd ten minutes to disperse as the riot police stood in a row behind him. The crowd gradually dispersed, but unknown to many of them, Paula was quietly led to a police van and taken to the Patani Road police station.
Read his press statement here.
An incredulous Australian friend sent me an email this afternoon:
“Anwar’s plight is still a topic on the news here. Arrested by hooded and armed police it seems. I wonder if those that are behind these tricks know what it all looks like from a distance? That he has been taken away for DNA testing has also been reported.”
