Zunar sends legal demand to police for return of artwork

GEORGE TOWN: The legal team of cartoonist Zulkiflee Anwarul Haque has served a notice of demand to Penang police for the return of his artwork that were seized in 2016.
Counsel Cecil Rajendra who is representing Zulkiflee who is better known as Zunar, said the notice which was served last week, follows the lack of communication from police over the matter.
Cecil said as a result of the seizure, his client had been deprived of his right to livelihood and his reputation had been severely tarnished.
He said the notice gives investigators 14 days from the day the notice was served on March 26, to return the seized items to his client.
"Failing to do so, legal action will be taken," he said in a press conference with Zunar today.
In November 2016, Zunar's exhibition in Komtar was disrupted by a group of Umno Youth members.
Following the commotion, Zunar was remanded and investigated over his artwork which were deemed controversial.
Cecil also said the government should make good on its promises and commitment to human rights by withdrawing the charges against Zunar and return the seized drawings.
"Action against him breaches the fundamental rights and his right to express, to livelihood and right to travel," he added.
State police chief Datuk A. Thaiveegan, when contacted, said he has directed his men to check the status of case.
"I need time to check as I wasn't here when that case took place," he said in a text message.