CLS Past President, Francis Pereira was arrested at approximately 6.30p.m. yesterday evening and currently held at the Police Station in Jalan Semarak, Titiwangsa, Kuala Lumpur. Approximately 200 over others were also arrested at the Bersih 3.0 rally.

Some 20 over lawyers are waiting outside the Police Station to provide legal assistance to those arrested. At the time of this reporting, those arrested have yet to have been given access to any legal representation.

Earlier in the day, the authorities had barricaded the entire area leading into Dataran Merdeka with barbed wires. This did not deter the over 100,000 people who had gathered to voice their support for Bersih 3’s call for a clean and fair elections. Both young and old were present chanting in support of changes demanded of the Election Commission to inter alia clean up the electoral roll.

Also present were those bearing t. shirts opposing the Lynas project expressing concerns over the possible dangers of radiation and radioactive waste.

At approximately 2.30p.m. several members of the public were making their way home and were seen walking towards Bank Negara only to be stopped by the police who had refused them access to leave the area and instead told them to find alternative routes. The sea of people made it impossible for anyone to find alternative routes out. By approximately 2.45p.m. tear gas canisters were seen thrown towards the crowds standing along Jalan Tunku Abdul Rahman. This occurred even though there was no provocation from the crowd congregated in this area. Eye witnesses explained that tear gas was then mounted on all those present along Jalan Tun Perak. Some had sustained injuries and sought medical assistance.

The sheer numbers that attended and participated at the rally is anything but a clear message to the authorities that the people are concern with the election process. The people have spoken and the authorities must take heed of the demands of Bersih 3.