The Malaysian authorities’ arrest of a Bangladeshi migrant worker who was featured in an Al Jazeera documentary was clear retaliation for his criticism of government policies towards migrants, Human Rights Watch said on Wednesday.
It states that the authorities should immediately release Mohamed Rayhan Kabir, 25, and reinstate his work permit.
The authorities arrested Kabir on July 24, 2020 and ordered his detention for 14 days ‘for investigation.’ The director-general of immigration announced that Kabir‘will be deported and blacklisted from entering Malaysia forever.’ It is not clear whether he will also face criminal charges.
‘The Malaysian authorities’ actions against Kabir send a chilling message to all migrant workers that speaking out about rights abuses risks arbitrary arrest, deportation, and blacklisting,’ said Phil Robertson, deputy Asia director.
‘The arrest of a source in a documentary adds to the devastating assault on free speech and media freedom in Malaysia,’ he added.
Kabir’s treatment by the authorities has raised important due process concerns, Human Rights Watch said.❑
