Malaysian court quashes ban on protest organizer
KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia, July 24 (AP/UNB) - A Malaysian court has quashed a government ban on a coalition of civic groups that organized huge political protests.
The verdict could energize efforts by activists to demand more transparency in national elections that must be held by mid-2013.
The Home Ministry last year outlawed the coalition called "Bersih," or "Clean," which staged rallies in July 2011 and April this year that drew tens of thousands seeking electoral policy changes.
Police used tear gas to quell both demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur.
The High Court ruled Tuesday that the outlawing of Bersih was unreasonable and violated constitutional rights.
Bersih's rallies helped pressure Prime Minister Najib Razak's governing coalition to agree to new regulations to prevent multiple voting and ensure fairer elections. But activists insist voter registration lists remain tainted.
The verdict could energize efforts by activists to demand more transparency in national elections that must be held by mid-2013.
The Home Ministry last year outlawed the coalition called "Bersih," or "Clean," which staged rallies in July 2011 and April this year that drew tens of thousands seeking electoral policy changes.
Police used tear gas to quell both demonstrations in Kuala Lumpur.
The High Court ruled Tuesday that the outlawing of Bersih was unreasonable and violated constitutional rights.
Bersih's rallies helped pressure Prime Minister Najib Razak's governing coalition to agree to new regulations to prevent multiple voting and ensure fairer elections. But activists insist voter registration lists remain tainted.
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