There are few independent media organisations in Malaysia, so Malaysia Today, an outspoken online reporting outfit with a significant readership, often attracts official criticism. When its editor, Raja Petra, was charged with breaching the country’s Internal Security Act and held in “administrative detention” pending trial, the MLDI went to his help. It arranged through the International Bar Association for his trial to be observed and meanwhile challenged the legality of his detention. Mr Petra was released in November 2008, whereupon the prosecution lodged an appeal, which is pending. The MLDI continues to support him.
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