University Malaya Association of New Youth chairman Wong Yan Ke said they merely held a silent protest at a bus stop near where Najib was having a dialogue with other students.

“We did not say anything. We did not shout. But when they came towards us and started provoking us, we said it was our right to protest and to assemble,” Wong told reporters outside the Pantai police station.

He said that as soon as traffic came to a halt, Najib’s supporters who were at the Amjal Restaurant came and tore their banners and placards.

“They surrounded us and they slapped and punched me. They also tried to strangle me. I nearly could not breathe,” he said.

Wong, who had carried a poster of a clown resembling Najib, said he and the other students did not retaliate.

He sustained minor injuries to his face.

Seven students, including Wong, had their statements recorded at the police station.

Earlier, Umno Supreme Council member Lokman Noor Adam admitted ripping apart a poster with a caricature of a clown resembling Najib. He did not identify the student holding the poster.

Lokman said he had the right to do so.

“This is an act which is insulting to Najib. We did not even disturb them,” he said.