The Malaysian Insight

THE Human Rights Commission of Malaysia (Suhakam) is investigating four more death-in-custody cases, its commissioner Jerald Joseph said today. 
 
In a virtual press conference, Jerald said that Suhakam is investigating three deaths under the prison department and one under the police.

He said the first is a Nepalese prisoner on death row who died at Kluang Prison, Johor. 
 
Jerald said the incident took place on May 30 and that the initial cause of death was said to be due to hanging in the deceased’s cell.

The second is the death of Surendran Shanker who died while in custody at the Simpang Renggam Prison, Johor. 
 
The detainee was a 21-year-old and was in the prison for a month. 
 
Jerald said media reports mentioned that the cause of death was due to “septic shock with multiple failures”.
 
The third is Sivabalan, a 42-year-old individual who died after being arrested and taken to the Gombak IPD, Selangor. 
 
“The victim was arrested on May 20, 2021. He suffered from shortness of breath and died after 1 hour of detention. The victim’s death was confirmed by paramedics called by the police after the victim complained of shortness of breath,” he said. 

The fourth is Roopan Karnagaran, 25, who died in Kajang Prison on June 21. 
 
Gerald said the cause of death was said to be due to health problems.
 
“Not all cases are caused by torture or abuse by the authorities. Sometimes, it is caused by health negligence and failure to adhere to court procedures,” he said. 
 
This year alone, there have already been 16 custodial deaths. 
 
Yesterday, Eliminating Death and Abuse in Custody Together (EDICT) announced that a black day campaign (https://www.themalaysianinsight.com/s/327058) will be held on July 16 to remember those who have died in police custody.

The event, “Black Day for Death in Custody”, will take place from 5.30 pm to 7.30 pm this Friday via the Zoom platform, and aired on Facebook Live. It will end with an online candlelight vigil.

Family members of custodial death victims will also be joining the virtual campaign. – July 14, 2021.