Human rights groups say a police investigation into six Al Jazeera journalists — including five Australians — is another example of Malaysia's diminishing press freedom.
A group of six journalists, including five Australians, should learn within days if they will be charged over a story which has angered Malaysian authorities.The Al Jazeera journalists were questioned for their documentary on the plight of migrant workersThe journalists face possible charges of sedition and defamation
The journalists work for Al Jazeera's 101 East television program, which last week reported on the plight of undocumented migrant workers during the coronavirus pandemic. Al Jazeera has strongly rejected the allegations and has called on Malaysia to withdraw the criminal investigation. National police chief Abdul Hamid Bador told reporters in Kuala Lumpur on Friday the Attorney-General's office would decide on any further action against the Al Jazeera staff.
They say there is also growing anger toward foreigners, who have been accused of spreading the novel coronavirus and being a burden on state resources.The investigation of Al Jazeera journalists is the latest in a string of incidents in the past few weeks where people have been called in for questioning about reporting or public statements.
"We're seeing now more and more intolerance for critical opinions, violations of freedom of expression in Malaysia."We're very concerned about these six journalists, we think that the Government should not press any charges."Al Jazeera said its staff and those interviewed in the documentary had faced abuse, death threats and the disclosure of their personal details on social media.Mr Robertson said the situation was deeply concerning.
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