Human rights watchdog Suaram today condemned the arrest of lawyer Matthias Chang under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act (Sosma).

Suaram executive director Sevan Doraisamy said in view of this, all civil society groups and NGOs should stand in solidarity against the alleged impunity displayed by the government and police.

"Suaram demands the police immediately release both Khairuddin Abu Hassan and Chang (photo) and cease all harassment against political dissenters who speak out against their political masters.

"This pathetic display of desperation by the government police makes it clear that they are willing to ignore the laws of Malaysia in order to safeguard their political survival," Sevan said in a statement today.

Chang was arrested by Bukit Aman officers at the Dang Wangi police station today for offences under Sections 124K and 124L of the Penal Code.

Both sections deal with sabotaging the state. These are similar charges levied against Chang's client, Khairuddin, who has been held under Sosma for 15 days now.

Khairuddin was arrested over police reports he lodged against 1MDB overseas, with Chang as his counsel.