Malaysia OKs Contentious Anti-Terror Law

Malaysia has passed a controversial anti-terrorism bill that the government says is needed to tackle the threat from Islamic extremists. The bill reintroduces indefinite detention without trial—something the prime minister had repealed in 2012. Human Rights Watch called the move “a giant step backward for human rights.” It was passed hours after police announced the detention of 17 suspected militants believed to be planning attacks in the capital, Kuala Lumpur. Home Minister Zahid Hamidi said those arrested, the youngest just 14, were planning to attack police stations and army bases to gather weapons. Under the legislation, suspects can be held without trial for as much as two years, with multiple extensions allowed after that. Decisions on their detention will be made by a terrorism board, rather than the judiciary.