FAC News - Saturday, November 3, 2001 11:07 PM

Dr Badrulamin released conditionally at 5.30pm today

Dr Badrulamin Bahron, one of the six National Justice Party (keADILan) and Reformasi activists detained indefinitely under the Internal Security Act (ISA) at the Kamunting Detention Centre, was released conditionally at 5.30pm today.

Word was first received at about 2.30pm that Dr Badrul would be released. Family members and supporters rushed to Kamunting to greet him as he emerged from the detention camp gate.

About 70 to 80 supporters – keADILan leaders and Reformasi activists - were waiting outside the gate. Amongst them were State Assemblyman Azmin Ali, Women’s Wing Leader Fuziah Salleh, party Treasurer Abdul Rahman Othman, and Supreme Council Members Ng Lum Yong, Sahri Bahari and Johari Abdul.

Due to this "crowd", the camp authorities would not let him walk out and instead took him in a Pajero to the Taiping bus station about 20 minutes away. Dr Badrul’s family was still on the way and had not arrived yet then.

The supporters then trailed the Pajero and picked Dr Badrul up at the bus station and brought him back to Kuala Lumpur. Dr Badrul was in great spirits and looked quite healthy. He said that the five still under detention in Kamunting send their regards and best wishes to all supporters and urge them to continue their struggle for democracy.

Dr Badrul was released conditionally. Amongst the conditions are:

1. He would be placed under restricted residence in the Gombak area in Kuala Lumpur and would not be allowed to leave the area without police approval. If he leaves the area, he would face arrest and would be charged in court.

2. Dr Badrul is not allowed to hold any party post, be involved in any political activities, act as an adviser to any political party, or give talks in a public rally.

Dr Badrul finally met up with about 15 of his family members at about 9.00pm tonight.

For about a week now it was rumoured that Dr Badrul would be released though it could not be confirmed. In fact, the rumour was that about four detainees would be released and it is hoped that more of the remaining five would be released soon.

Dr Badrul was amongst ten keADILan leaders and Reformasi activists arrested in April this year under Malaysia’s infamous and dreaded Internal Security Act that allows for arrest and indefinite detention without trial. Four were eventually released – two by the Shah Alam Court – while six were sent to the Kamunting Detention Centre under a two year detention order that can be extended indefinitely.

It is estimated that more than 5,000 people have so far been arrested under the ISA and about 100 still remain under detention in the Kamunting Detention Centre.