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Court orders government to pay damages for unlawful arrest

Published July 29, 2026 at 8:32 AM UTC

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In a significant ruling, Malaysia's High Court has mandated the government and police to compensate 13 activists a total of RM195,000 for their unlawful arrests during a candlelight vigil in 2021. Each activist is to receive RM15,000 in damages. The court found that the arrests violated the activists' constitutional rights, including personal liberty and access to legal counsel. This decision underscores the judiciary's role in upholding individual rights and holding authorities accountable for unlawful actions. The ruling may influence future cases involving the right to peaceful assembly and the conduct of law enforcement during public gatherings.