Suhakam arse: Raja Azman injuries self-inflicted!!!

The country’s human rights body has absolved prison authorities of having abused Raja Azman Petra, son of fugtive blogger Raja Petra Kamaruddin.

National human rights council, Suhakam, today told reporters that the victim himself had admitted that the injuries were self-inflicted during a fit of temper and there was also no evidence of abuse or wrongdoings committed in the Sungai Buloh prison against him.

“We have conducted a thorough investigation and upon interviewing a few inmates and wardens, it was proven that there are no human rights violations,” Suhakam commissioner N Siva Subramaniam said.

A four-member team from the commission had today spend two and half hours at the prison to investigate the complaints pertaining to injuries sustained by Raja Azman early this month.

Speaking at a press conference later, Siva Subramaniam said that the injuries to the wrists did not require stitches and were not as serious as alleged.

“He only scratched his wrists,” he said.

Razors smuggled for shaving

According to Siva Subramaniam, Raja Azman had hurt himself using an “old and blunt razor”. No explanation was given as to the origins of the razor.

As to the razor blade which was swallowed, Raja Azman’s doctors said that it had exited through natural means.

When asked about the razor blade’s origin, Siva Subramaniam explained that it is common for old razors to be smuggled into prisons for shaving purposes.

He said the incident stemmed from Raja Azman’s animosity against a warden for putting him into seclusion for breaching a prison rule.

“Raja Azman  told us that he was dissatisfied and angry because he was put in isolation for scolding a warden,” Siva explained.

According to Siva, Raja Azman appeared “happy-go-lucky” and he had admitted that the injuries were self-inflicted because he was very upset then.

Siva explained that all procedures have been adhered to by the prison authorities in handling this incident.

“Raja Azman immediately rushed to the hospital, upon discovering that he was injured,” Siva said.

He added that doctors have confirmed that the inmate is healthy and has not sustained any internal injury nor was he suffering a mental breakdown.

Under observation

Also present at the press conference was prison director Narander Singh, who told reporters that all inmates are treated equally regardless of their status.

“However, Raja Azman will be observed more closely due to his past history of inflicting self-injuries,” Narander said.

He is now in the prison’s hospital ward for observation.

Raja Azman, who was held under remand in the prison since May 19 last year after failing to post bail, is facing four housebreaking and theft charges.

He swallowed a razor blade on Feb 8, 2010 and was admitted at the Sungai Buloh Hospital the same day. He was discharged two days ago.

Christine Chan/Mkini