Lawyer calls for calm after villagers protesting logging in Baram remanded
Roland Engan said he was informed that the arrests were initially made to assist with the Forest Department's investigation.
'However, when a remand order was obtained for them to be held for an additional four days, it was reported that they were being investigated for allegedly obstructing public servants and making threats,' he said in a statement.
Roland claimed this development differed from the earlier information given to him and called on all parties to remain calm while allowing the investigation and any possible prosecution to proceed without interference.
He also called on the public to avoid worsening the situation through provocative, speculative, or emotional comments.
'The struggle for the Native land rights of the people of Sungai Pelutan is a long journey and it is a struggle without bloodshed,' he said.
Roland also appealed to enforcement agencies to exercise their authority professionally and not to resort to baseless accusations to cover any shortcomings on the ground.
According to him, during a dialogue at the Telang Usan District Office on June 26 attended by representatives from the Forest Department, police, logging company, and protest group, it was made clear that the dispute was between the villagers and the company.
'The issue revolves around alleged breaches of agreement and sustainable forest management conditions, not a conflict between the villagers and the Forest Department,' he said.
Roland called on enforcement officers on the ground to avoid provocation as well as to act in a professional manner, particularly when dealing with affected villagers.
The Magistrates' Court here yesterday ordered two men to be remanded for four days to assist with the investigation of a case under Section 103 of the Forest Ordinance for using criminal force and obstructing forest officers and civil servants in performing their duties.
The Sarawak Forest Department said in a statement that the two men were being investigated under Section 506 of the Penal Code for making criminal threats.
'The two men were among the individuals who had set up a blockade around Telang Usan on June 28 and used violence against the department's enforcement personnel while they were carrying out their duties by abusing and injuring them,' stated the department.
'These individuals also issued threatening words against enforcement personnel during the incident.'
The department added another suspect fled the scene and is still being pursued.
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