Group: Protect right to peaceful protest
THAI authorities are using the police force to suppress peaceful demonstrators in “what appears to be a new crackdown on freedom of expression”, said Amnesty International.
Responding to the arrest of two prominent activists on Friday and further arrest warrants against other protesters ahead of planned anti-government protests over the weekend, Piyanut Kotsan, Amnesty International Thailand’s director, said: “This is yet another entirely disproportionate response from the Thai police to peaceful activism, clearly intended to intimidate and dissuade protesters from taking to the streets this weekend.
“Having endured months of harassment, Anon Nampa and Phanuphong Jadnok now face a repressive new set of criminal charges simply for exercising their right to protest.”
The rights watchdog called on the Thai government to ensure the protection, safety and security from reprisals of any individuals whose names have been linked to ongoing demonstrations over the past week.
Police arrested lawyer Anon Nampa in front of his residence in Bangkok, and student activist Phanuphong “Mike” Jadnok at Ramkhamhaeng University.
The two are currently being held at Bangkok Criminal Court.
Another student activist Parit Chiwarak also has an arrest warrant against him.
Reports indicate that five other demonstrators have pending warrants with the same charges.
Amnesty said that since emergency law was imposed on March 26, officials have continuously detained and initiated criminal complaints against individuals engaged in peaceful protests and activities.