Bangkok, Thailand -- The Asian Network for Free Elections (Anfrel) considers the arrest of Adil Rahman Khan, without citing any justification, as an effort by the Malaysian Government to silence rights defenders. Our network of organization across Asia stands in solidarity with Mr. Adil and demands for his immediate release.

Mr. Adil is the secretary of Anfrel member Odhikar, and is among the foremost human rights activists in Bangladesh. He was set to attend the National Conference on Death Penalty in Kuala Lumpur organized by the Anti Death Penalty Asia Network (ADPAN). Upon arriving at Kuala Lumpur International Airport at 4:00 am (local time) on 20 June 2017, he was arrested and has been in Immigration Lock-Up since then. As of 3:00 pm, lawyers and representatives from Malaysian organization Suara Rakyat Malaysia (SUARAM) have been asking permission to meet him, but were denied by the authorities.

Anfrel calls on the Malaysian government to cease the harassment of human rights activists within its territory. Human rights defenders must be given the freedom to hold activities to help raise awareness and promote civil and political rights, which the Malaysian Government should encourage and not suppress.

PDF Copy: Anfrel Statement on arrest of Adil