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# Pro-LGBTQ+ protesters arrested in Malaysia
- URL: https://www.scenemag.co.uk/pro-lgbtq-protesters-arrested-in-malaysia/
- Published: 2023-07-31T08:49:03.000Z
- Updated: 2023-07-31T08:49:03.000Z
- Description: Their protest, outside the downtown Sogo shopping mall on Saturday (29 July), was prompted by the recent public caning of two alleged lesbians and other crackdowns on the LGBTQ+ community in Malaysia.
- Author: Graham Robson
- Tags: LGBTQ, Peter Tatchell

Eight members of pro-LGBTQ+ **Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light** were arrested during a protest in **Kuala Lumpur** in solidarity with the LGBTQ+ community.

Their protest, outside the downtown **Sogo shopping mall** on Saturday (29 July), was prompted by the recent public caning of two alleged lesbians and other crackdowns on the LGBTQ+ community in Malaysia.

The Ahmadis, who were arrested and are being detained at **Dang Wangi** police headquarters, are being held incommunicado, with no access to lawyers or families.

**Hadil El-Khouly**, Human Rights Outreach Coordinator of the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light UK, said: “They have been detained for over 24 hours for protesting in support of LGBTQ+ human rights. They are now awaiting a court order to charge them. During detention, they were interrogated by police about their religious beliefs.

![](https://www.scenemag.co.uk/content/images/wp-content/uploads/2023/07/vlcsnap-2023-07-29-11h00m23s597-e1690793229253.png)

“This protest was a response by believers from the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light to the persecution of the LGBTQ+ community by the Malaysian government, which has escalated recently. We do not support the oppression of LGBTQ+ people. Our doors are open to everyone.

“We have many members of the LGBTQ+ community. Some of them have been jailed in Turkey, Iran and Egypt.”

Human rights campaigner **Peter Tatchell**, who has supported Malaysian human rights campaigns, and the rights of Ahmadi Muslims, for many decades, added: “This is a laudable brave example of one persecuted minority supporting another. Ahmadis are an oppressed religious minority in Malaysia.

“Unlike mainstream Muslims, the Ahmadi Religion of Peace and Light accepts LGBTQ+ people and supports their human rights. What they did was very courageous. I fear they will pay a heavy price under Malaysia’s draconian anti-protest laws.”