[The Malaysian Insider] Released Hindraf leader free to walk, not to talk

Article taken from The Malaysian Insider.

SHAH ALAM, April 5 — Hindraf legal adviser V. Ganabatirao is a free man today but he cannot speak to the media for a year as one condition of his release.

His brother Papparaidu said this was among the conditions imposed by the government upon Ganabatirao’s release from the Internal Security Act (ISA)

“This is what my elder brother said but he did not mention other conditions,” he told reporters after welcoming Ganabatirao back to their house in Jalan Kemuning near here.

Ganabatirao had been detained at the Kamunting detention centre under the ISA since Dec 31, 2007 for leading the largest Indian uprising in the country that led to the Barisan Nasional’s worst performance in election last year.

He and 12 other detainees were freed by Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak in his maiden speech as the sixth prime minister over television on Friday.

Ganabatirao arrived at the house in a Proton Waja car about 5.50pm and was welcomed by about 60 supporters who had waited for him since 3pm, state news agency Bernama reported.

Drums were played and firecrackers were set off to receive him. He was also paraded for about 30 metres in rain.

Ganabatirao’s wife B. Buvaneswary said she was happy that her husband returned home safely.

She said Ganabatirao was not in the best of health as he had suffered neck pains and high blood pressure.

“I’m waiting for my husband’s health report from Ipoh Hospital which I expect to receive on Wednesday to know his exact health level.

“After receiving the report only then further medical treatment will be given to my husband so that he recovers fully from the ailments,” she said.

The other Hindraf leader who was freed is R. Kengadharan.

Others released were seven members of Darul Islam Sabah, one from Jemaah Islamiyah and three foreigners who detained for alleged documents forgery.

They were taken out of the detention centre in stages with the foreigners being the first to be taken out by the Immigration Department.