Present at the event were former prime minister Dr Mahathir Mohamad and his wife Dr Siti Hasmah Mohd Ali.

People streamed into the fountain area in front of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) tower around 8pm and dispersed about three hours later.

According to Bersih 2.0 (West Coast) vice-chairman Jay Jay Dennis, vigils will be held every night until Maria is released, whether the authorities allow it or not.

“If they close this area, we will gather nearby.

“This is to demand the police release Maria. They are treating her like a terrorist,” he said when met by FMT.

Maria was arrested in a police raid on the Bersih office on Nov 18, a day before the Bersih 5 rally, under the Security Offences (Special Measures) Act 2012, or Sosma.

This comes after the government had previously said Sosma would be used only to curb terrorism and not to restrict political differences.

Maria’s lawyer, Sivarasa Rasiah, said in a press conference yesterday that Maria was currently held in solitary confinement at an unknown location.

Mahathir, in his speech, expressed his sorrow that Maria was now in jail and shouted “Free Maria” along with those present.

Dennis said if Maria was not released after the 28 days set for Sosma detainees, they would organise a sit-in at Bukit Aman, demanding for her immediate release.