Police in the Malaysian capital Kuala Lumpur have fired tear gas and water cannons at thousands of protesters who took part in a demonstration in support of electoral reforms.
Reports say up to 25,000 people gathered to participate in the rally on April 28 in the central Merdeka Square area.
Authorities said the pro-opposition protesters had not secured the legal right to hold the demonstration. The authorities said they had sealed off the square with barbed wire and barricades.
Police opened fire with tear gas and water after some protesters tried to breach the barricades.
The protesters are demanding Election Commission reforms and the cleanup of what they call fraudulent voter lists, which they say would give Prime Minister Najib Razak’s ruling coalition an unfair advantage ahead of elections that could be held this year.
Reports say up to 25,000 people gathered to participate in the rally on April 28 in the central Merdeka Square area.
Authorities said the pro-opposition protesters had not secured the legal right to hold the demonstration. The authorities said they had sealed off the square with barbed wire and barricades.
Police opened fire with tear gas and water after some protesters tried to breach the barricades.
The protesters are demanding Election Commission reforms and the cleanup of what they call fraudulent voter lists, which they say would give Prime Minister Najib Razak’s ruling coalition an unfair advantage ahead of elections that could be held this year.