UN concerned over serious cases against Thai protesters

By Riyaz ul Khaliq

ANKARA (AA) – The UN on Friday said it was “disappointing” to see Thailand filing a large number of criminal cases this year after a period of two years “without any cases.”

Expressing shock that a minor was also booked by Thai authorities, UN High Commissioner for Human Rights Spokeswoman Ravina Shamdasani said: “We also remain concerned that other serious criminal charges are being filed against protesters engaged in peaceful protests in recent months.”

The Buddhist-majority country has seen massive anti-monarchy protests in recent months with protesters, mostly young people, seeking reforms in civil and military institutions.

In a statement, Shamdasani said Thai authorities have charged at least 35 protesters in recent weeks, including a 16-year old student protester, under Article 112 – the lese majeste provision of Thailand’s criminal code which relates to defaming, insulting or threatening the country’s royal family.

Those convicted under the law can be imprisoned for three to 15 years.

“We call on the government of Thailand to stop the repeated use of such serious criminal charges against individuals for exercising their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly,” the UN official said. “People should be able to exercise these rights without fear of reprisals.”

“We also remain concerned that other serious criminal charges are being filed against protesters engaged in peaceful protests in recent months, including charges of sedition and offenses under the Computer Crime Act. Again, such charges have been filed against a minor, among others,” the UN statement said, urging the Thai government to amend the lese majeste law.​​​​​​​