Suaram has called for police to be made accountable for the increasing numbers of deaths in custody, noting that of the 12 cases this year alone, only three policemen have been charged in just one case.
"From (the 12), only three police officers have been charged for the death of N Dhamendran, and only after public pressure and outcry, while one of the accused has gone missing.
"In the case of P Karunanithi, who died in Tampin in June, till today no officer has been charged despite the fact that the post-mortem and video show evidence of bruises and injuries on his body," Suaram coordinator R Thevarajan ( right ) said in a statement today
Thevarajan reiterated the widespread call for an Independent Police Complaints and Misconduct Commission (IPCMC) to be set up, saying the police were failing to hold the perpetrators of these murders accountable.
"The failure to ensure effective police accountability mechanisms highlights the lack of political will by the government to take genuine steps to reform the police force in this country" he said.
Dhamendran died in police custody on May 22 and on June 5, police charged three of their men with his murder, while a fourth officer is still on the run with the police, who finally released the name and picture of the runaway officer on Tuesday.
"Now, in this latest case of Chew Siang Giap, his father has also found bruises on the ears, shoulder and thigh of Chew's body.
"It is unacceptable that Chew's family has to plead for an independent investigation to be made in order for the perpetrators to be held accountable.
"Why can't the police be proactive in investigating deaths in custody? Further, the Enforcement Agency Integrity Commission has also been silent on this matter and has yet to initiate any investigation.
"The people want an independent body to probe these deaths in custody and for the perpetrators to be held accountable for these serious human rights violations," Thevarajan added.
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