The Human Rights Commission (Suhakam) has slammed the charging of a lawyer who had merely carried out her legal duty during a Federal Territories Islamic Affairs Department (Jawi) raid on a transgender event.

Suhakam chairperson Razali Ismail said the commission is “dismayed” that lawyer Siti Zabedah Kasim has been charged with obstruction of Jawi officers, “ after identifying herself as a lawyer discharging her duties to her clients” during the raid.

“Suhakam cautions that where lawyers are unable to defend their clients for fear of arrest, criminal charges or intimidation, they cannot properly defend people facing violations of their human rights,” he said.