IPOH: Gerakan wants the Government to release the five Hindraf (Hindu rights Action Force) leaders detained in Kamunting under the Internal Security Act (ISA).

Gerakan National Legal Bureau chief Datuk Chang Ko Youn said the detention of the five leaders had create unnecessary tension and unhappiness, especially among advocates of democracy and human rights.

"We are seriously against any acts which prescribe detention without trial such as the ISA and Emergency Ordinance as they are against the cardinal principles and law, that is, each person is entitled to a fair trial and right to be heard," he said Thursday.

He said detention without trial denied the right of an individual to answer any charges against him.

Chang said the party had voiced its concern when the five were detained last December, expressing its views that there would be repercussions.

"True enough, it was an issue during the March general election and voters turned against us partly because of the use of the ISA against the five Hindraf leaders," he said.

He said as the situation had calmed down, it was timely to release, adding that the ISA should not be used at all and be abolished eventually.