JOHOR BARU: Three men were sentenced to death while two others were jailed for kidnapping a schoolgirl in 2008.

Steven Pangiraja, 27, Vicknes Ponniah, 29, and Ravikumar Ramar, 22, were sentenced to be hanged by the High Court yesterday, while two 19-year-olds were sentenced to be held at the discretion of the Sultan of Johor as they were minors at the time of the offence.

KUALA LUMPUR: A retired Federal Court judge said the death penalty should be imposed only in exceptional cases.

Datuk Seri Gopal Sri Ram said this depended on the circumstances of each case and that judges should be given the discretion to impose the capital punishment.

KUALA LUMPUR: Police have detain-ed several people ahead of the Bersih 2.0 rally on July 9.

Bernama reported that in Taman Kosas, Ampang, authorities held eight men, who were wearing yellow T-shirts with the words ‘Bersih 2.0’ written in Jawi.

KUALA LUMPUR: The Bar Council Malaysia has called for refugees in the country to be provided with holistic protection, covering healthcare, education and livelihood.

Malaysian Bar president Lim Chee Wee claimed refugees and asylum-seekers here were often subjected to physical and emotional abuse, inhumane treatment and extremely poor living and sanitation conditions.

KUALA LUMPUR: Suhakam should apply to speak on behalf of indigenous peoples in their suits against government agencies or developers for alleged encroachment.