Key Issues from cooperation among the authorities, organisers and participants. A similar outcome was observed during the anti-price hike rally led by Gerakan Turun Kos Sara Hidup on 31 December in Kuala Lumpur. This was despite the fact that the authorities were on high alert due to claims in some quarters that the rally was aimed at overthrowing the Government. Recognising the vital role and safety of the media personnel in carrying out their duties, the Commission sees the need for the police to conduct briefings and training for its personnel in managing and facilitating the work of media personnel during an assembly. The Commission further deems it necessary for the police to ensure that the line of communications is maintained during an assembly, to prevent confusion with respect to orders issued by officers and action by personnel. The police should also uphold the rights of those arrested, in particular their right to legal counsel and to be informed of the grounds of arrest. 7. HUMAN RIGHTS DEFENDERS The Commission is deeply concerned about the challenges faced by human rights defenders in carrying out their work and exercising their fundamental rights and freedoms. Harassment and arrests of human rights defenders continue to occur as seen in the case of Ms Lena Hendry of Pusat Komunikasi Masyarakat and activists from Jaringan Rakyat Tertindas. Some members of political parties and elected representatives faced similar constraints when carrying out their duty to protect the human rights of the people. Article 12(1) of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders states: ‘Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to participate in peaceful activities against violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.’ Article 12(1) of the Declaration on Human Rights Defenders states: ‘Everyone has the right, individually and in association with others, to participate in peaceful activities against violations of human rights and fundamental freedoms.’ The Commission deems it important for the Government to ensure that all human rights defenders can operate freely and be protected effectively against intimidation, harassment and violation of their rights and freedoms by the authorities or other groups or individuals. 8. 13TH GENERAL ELECTION The Commission received 59 complaints with regard to the 13th General Election held on 5 May. Of these, three were related to general matters, while 56 were related to procedures and were forwarded to the Election Commission (EC) for further action. 13