They are teachers, not hardcore criminals

Hindraf says handcuffing the suspects, making them wear lock-up uniforms and ferrying them in 'Black Marias' is wrong.

SEREMBAN: Hindraf Legal Advisor, S.Karthigesan has complained that suspected teachers arrested in connection with the question paper leaks of the 2014 Primary School Achievement Test (UPSR) have been treated like hardcore criminals.

Stating his indignation Karthigesan said, “They are teachers. Not hardcore criminals. Why can’t the police use discretion in their investigation?”

Saying he was not defending the crime if any had been committed, he further said the suspects were nonetheless treated in a humiliating manner.

Karthigesan said, “I’m not defending the teachers if they are proven guilty. However it’s still in investigation stages.

“It’s very sad to see these teachers handcuffed, brought in ‘Black Marias’ and clad in lock-up uniforms.”

He also said being paraded in this manner in public would affect the suspects if they were found not guilty and had to return to work later.

“If they are found not guilty and returned to work, how are they going to face the students? It’s a humiliation,” he said.

Another issue of concern was that many of those hauled up were Indians.

Karthigesan noted, “I’m also concerned why many of the arrested teachers are Indians, when leaks were also reported in national schools and Chinese vernacular schools.”