3 Dec 1998 19:17
founder/editor-in-chief of Periodica Islamica jailed
The current issue of the MESA Newsletter highlights human rights concerns in the case of Dr Muhammad Anees, a member of MESA from 1990 to 1995 and founder and editor-in-chief of the current-contents journal PERIODICA ISLAMICA, which many of us use as a reference tool. Dr Anees was detained in September 1998 along with several other political associates of Malaysia's Deputy Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim. Following a confession that Dr Anees contends was extracted under torture and a trial which, according to Amnesty International "raises concerns about its fairness," Dr Anees has been sentenced to six months' imprisonment on charges of sodomy. Amnesty International, Human Rights Watch and others have expressed concern that Dr Anees and the other detainees are at risk of continued ill-treatment; the fact that Dr Anees suffers from a heart ailment has exacerbated worries about his health. Reports also indicate that the detainees have not been allowed access to independent lawyers or to members of their families. Amnesty International has called for the immediate and unconditional release of Dr Muhammad Anees. More information about the case can be found on a website established by friends and supporters of Dr Anees at http://www.DrAnees.org Colleagues who wish to express concern for the fate of Dr Anees can do so by writing letters to the Malaysian Prime Minister's office Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohammad Prime Minister's Department Jalan Dato Onn 50502 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia Fax: 60-3-2984172, 2383784(Continue reading)
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