Press Release
IGP’s defence of the deportation of 5 Egyptians are based on unproven allegations
10 March 2019
The IGP in a statement today confirmed the deportation of 5 Egyptian members of the Muslim Brotherhood.
The IGP claims that they aided foreign terrorist elements in the country, and are thus suspected to have committed Offences under Part VIA of the Penal Code.
This is quite incomprehensible from both a legal and enforcement standpoint.
If the Egyptians are believed to have committed such serious offences on Malaysian soil, why were they not charged formally in the Malaysian court?
Surely, offences committed in Malaysia must be tried here, and not in Egypt.
They should have been given the opportunity to defend themselves in court.
Instead, the IGP has made serious allegations against them through a press statement without affording them an opportunity to answer.
These remain unproven allegations supported by no evidence.
Secondly, Malaysia has not designated the Muslim Brotherhood as a terrorist organisation and neither does it regard it so.
It is thus unacceptable that the IGP relies on this to support the decision to deport them. The Muslim Brotherhood is a legitimate group carrying on a political struggle in Egypt, whilst being tyrannised by the military regime in Cairo.
Thirdly, the IGP admits to knowledge that these Egyptians are members of the Muslim Brotherhood. It is hence known to the IGP and the Malaysian government that they will face torture, denial of due process or execution in Egypt. Hence, their deportation in is breach of the principle of non-refoulement, and the international obligations of Malaysia.
Finally, throughout their arrest and detention in Malaysia, their families and lawyers were kept in the dark as to their situation. They had no opportunity to meet lawyers, give instructions or make the necessary representations to the courts here.
This is a denial of due process.
We protest in the strongest terms the deportation and treatment of these men which is blot upon this country.
Issued by,
Latheefa Koya
Executive Director
Lawyers for Liberty