In the run-up to a rally demanding the revival of academic freedom on
Saturday, 30 students gathered to picket in Kuala Lumpur’s central
transit hub today, demanding for the guarantee of academic autonomy and the repeal
of the controversial Universities and University Colleges Act 1971
(UUCA).
However, barely minutes into the protest, police charged in and arrested 15 students, who have been taken to the beat base on the premises, awaiting their lawyers to arrive.
Led by Movement for Academic Freedom (Bebas) chairperson Mohd Safwan
Anang, the students staged a flashmob at the main entrance to the lobby and had gathered in a silent protest, armed with placards protesting the oppression of academic freedom despite being given two minutes by Brickfields district police chief Wan Abdul Bari Wan Abdul Khalid to convey their message and disperse.
Although they were surrounded by some 25 police personnel who ordered
them to disperse, the group was steadfast and defied the warnings, holding up their placards reading 'We unite for academic freedom'
and 'Give back university autonomy', as well as A4-size posters reading
'Freedom'.The students, who were initially stationary, followed Mohd Safwan when he suddenly moved towards the crowd of commuters and onlookers - hence causing the police to react. A tussle ensued when the police grabbed the placards and posters, and detained the students.
Wan Bari instructed his officers to bring in the Black Maria. Nevertheless, it is not known yet whether those arrested will be taken elsewhere.
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