62 under ISA as of 30/6/2008

What a load of crap -- Detention Without Trial is geared towards rehabilitation not punishment...

First, give them an open trial - and find them guilty first, then talk about punishment or rehabilitation...

62 being held under ISA


Friday July 11, 2008

Detainees undergo rehab programme

DETENTION under the Internal Security Act (ISA) is geared more towards rehabilitation rather than criminal punishment.

Home Minister Datuk Seri Syed Hamid Albar told M. Manogaran (DAP – Teluk Intan) that ISA detainees would be rehabilitated in regard to their extremist beliefs and actions, which could threaten national security.

“Those held under the ISA will undergo a rehabilitation programme at their place of detention.

“If a detainee has been considered to be rehabilitated and no longer poses any danger to the country, he or she will be released,” he said in a written reply.

Syed Hamid said that as of June 30, there were 62 detainees held for involvement in various activities.

“Forty-two people were held for militant violence, six for falsifying documents, one for human trafficking, nine for gathering information for foreign intelligence agencies and five for Hindraf activities.

“However, we cannot provide a full list of ISA detainees with their background and offences at present due to security factor,” he said.

Manogaran had asked for a full list of ISA detainees and whether the Government provided their family members with financial assistance during their period of detention.

Syed Hamid said ISA detainees could also refer to the Social Welfare Department nearby to ensure their family members received assistance.

“Based on records at the Taiping detention centre, 28 people held under ISA there have submitted applications for financial assistance for their families.

“Of this, 17 detainees have had their applications approved and their families have received financial assistance from the district social welfare office as well as the Islamic relief agency Baitumal where they reside.

There were still six applications for financial assistance, which had yet to be considered by the department.

“Besides financial assistance, the department will also consider aid for education and health,” Syed Hamid said.