Malaysia
IGP insists Bersih arrests, roadblocks necessary for public safety
July 08, 2011
KUALA LUMPUR, July 8 — Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Ismail Omar today defended the police’s decision to arrest Bersih supporters and carry out major roadblocks within the city, saying that it was necessary for public safety.
The police chief also said court restriction orders were needed as a “precautionary measure” ahead of tomorrow’s rally.
“Since several dangerous weapons were found, there is a safety risk (as) certain quarters insist on having the illegal rally in Kuala Lumpur. They will use all kinds of tricks like they have before.
“As a precautionary measure, the police had to get the restriction order ... just to prevent this illegal rally from taking place,” he told reporters today.
A total of 91 people have been barred from entering the capital city tomorrow, and this includes Bersih, Umno Youth and Perkasa leaders.
Elaborating further, Ismail said that the restriction order was not limited to the 91 people, but also to their supporters.
He said that the police received two applications to hold the Bersih rally in Kuala Lumpur tomorrow, and have rejected both applications.
City police have already closed off Dataran Merdeka in the middle of the city today but most roads will be closed from midnight.
Ismail stressed that roadblocks were important to prevent “trouble-makers” from entering the city.
“These groups also plan to use certain mosques around KL city as their strategy,” he added.
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