LFL Rantings
The police deliberately shot at least a dozen tear gas canisters into a small crowd of Bersih/Pakatan leaders and supporters which included Ambiga, Pak Samad, Maria Chin, Anwar, Kit Siang and Hadi Awang at the Sentral Station underpass in Brickfield.
They were blocked and led into a trap, surrounded on both exits in a confined and darkly lit underpass – when without clear warning or sufficient time – tear gas canisters were shot directly at them.
[Please see the video uploaded on Free Malaysia Today : “Bersih 2.0: It’s 50k, and a big success”]
It was a cruel and unjustifiable act. One canister hit Anwar’s bodyguard in the face and another hit MP Khalid Samad on the back of his head. Both were bloodied and required stitches. In the confusion and melee, Anwar injured his leg.
Let there be no doubt: Tear gas is not harmless. Exposure to healthy adults can lead to respiratory illnesses and excessive exposure in a confined place can cause serious injuries including severe pulmonary damage, damage to the heart and liver, and even death. Effects are of course more severe for infants, the elderly and people with respiratory problems.
Why shoot so many canisters into a confined place with blocked exits?
Was there any intention to cause serious harm on the Bersih/ Pakatan leaders?
Yes.