Tenaganita raises concerns over handcuffing of Myanmar boys

KUALA LUMPUR: Rights group Tenaganita has called for a thorough inquiry into the alleged handcuffing of three Myanmar children accused of criminal intimidation. The organization expressed deep concerns over the treatment and rights of the minors, urging the Human Rights Commission of Malaysia's Children's Commissioner Office to step in and provide necessary legal and psychological support.

Tenaganita's executive director, Glorene Das, stressed that authorities must adhere to the Child Act 2001 and the United Nations Convention on the Rights of the Child, irrespective of the children's nationality or immigration status. Das acknowledged that investigations into wrongdoing and seeking justice for the victims are crucial, but she emphasized that justice must never come at the expense of children's fundamental rights and dignity.

The report highlighted the reported use of restraints, initial detention, and language interpretation issues, questioning whether proper safeguards had been followed. Although the High Court subsequently granted bail to the children, Das noted that the fear, humiliation, and trauma they may have endured cannot be erased. The trio, consisting of two 11-year-olds and a 12-year-old, pleaded not guilty to jointly threatening an elderly woman with objects like a mop, iron rod, fluorescent light tube, and stones. If found guilty, they could face up to two years in prison, a fine, or both.