Thailand: Release human rights defender imprisoned for insulting the monarchy
The sentencing of a human rights defender to ten years in prison for publishing two articles allegedly insulting the monarchy is a serious setback for freedom of expression in Thailand, Amnesty International said.
The Criminal Court today found Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, a magazine editor and labour rights activist, guilty under Thailand’s so-called lèse majesté law for allegedly publishing two articles defaming the royal family.
Somyot has been detained since 30 April 2011 and the authorities have repeatedly turned down his request for bail.
“This is a regressive decision – Somyot has been found guilty simply for peacefully exercising his right to freedom of expression and should be released immediately,” said Isabelle Arradon, Amnesty International’s Deputy Asia-Pacific Director.
“We urge the authorities to release Somyot and all other prisoners of conscience without conditions. They should also grant Somyot reparations for the time he has spent in pre-trial detention.
“Authorities in Thailand have in recent years increasingly used legislation, including the lèse majesté law, to silence peaceful dissent and imprison prisoners of conscience. The lèse majesté law should immediately be suspended and revised so that it complies with Thailand’s international human rights obligations.”
The lèse majesté law prohibits any word or act which “defames, insults, or threatens the King, the Queen, the Heir-apparent, or the Regent” and carries up to fifteen years imprisonment for each offence.
It violates the right to freedom of expression as provided for in the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights which Thailand ratified in 1996.
Comments
Michael Wild | Posted on 25 January 2013, 12:49PM | Report comment
Dear Meela. With respect we are quite aware that your country is independent and has its own law. There are, however, some things that are so important that they belong to all men and women of every race, religion or country. The right to peacefully speak your non-violent political opinions and not be sent to prison is one of them. This right applies whether the opinion is wise or foolish. Some of us may not know your countries laws very well but I am quite sure that the information Somyot Prueksakasemsuk has been sent to jail is true for his the non-violent expression of his political opinions. That is all that we need to know.
I respectfully point out to you that the right to free speech is so important that it is in the International Covenant of Civil and Political Rights. Your country signed this on 29 Oct 1996 and therefore promised to the world that its government would respect this right. It is not honourable to break such promises.
meelar | Posted on 25 January 2013, 02:19AM | Report comment
I am very surprised why the numbers of foreigners are now meddling with Thailand’s affairs. They should know that Thailand is the independent country and has her own law. Because of this, I definitely trust that our judge sentence any person based on the evidences. Also, I am very confident that you, foreigners, know nothing much about our matters. Therefore, you should mind your own business rather than intervening with any other country’s affairs. Once again, don’t be nosy, will you?
Michael Wild | Posted on 24 January 2013, 01:17PM | Report comment
I’m still surprised that modern, civilized Thailand is enforcing these laws. Ten year terms are dreadful. That’s what the Soviet Union handed out in the 1920-30’s albiet with much more severe regimen in the camps and prisons.