Article 112: United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights Calling on Thailand to amend the law in accordance with international standards

The United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights urges the Thai government to stop the use of article 112 of the Penal Code. And other serious criminal charges against peaceful protesters. And he asked that the amendments to Section 112 also conform to international standards

Ms Ravina Shamdasani, spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights A statement released on Friday after police charged a 16-year-old lese majesty protest in Thailand and was taken to the Central Juvenile and Family Court yesterday . Before getting the bail

“We are deeply concerned about the indictment by the Thai authorities of at least 35 protesters, including 16-year-old student protesters, in recent weeks with Article 112, the lese majesty provision of the Code. Thailand’s criminal law,” said the Ms. Chamdasani in the statement.

The statement read “Crimes of defamation, insult or manifestation of malice against members of the Royal Family With a prison sentence of between 3 and 15 years, we were deeply shocked when the police took a 16-year-old protester to the Juvenile Court and He asked the court to detain him.The court rejected the arrest warrant and provided conditional insurance.

A spokesperson for the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights added: Several United Nations human rights agencies, including the UN Human Rights Committee, reviewing the implementation of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights. The International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) has repeatedly required Thailand to enforce this section of the law in accordance with the international commitments that Thailand has made. It is very disappointing that after two years of absence from this case, several cases have been seen in a short time. And very shocking. Currently, there are charges against minors.

He also expressed concern that another serious criminal charge is reaching protesters who have joined the peaceful protests in recent months. Including sedition charges and charges under the Cybercrime Act.

“We call on the Thai government to end such serious criminal charges against those who exercise their rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly. People must be able to exercise their rights without fear of retaliation. The United Nations Human Rights Committee concluded that the detention of people solely for the exercise of freedom of expression or other human rights is indiscriminate in custody or arrest, ”the statement said.

End of declaration United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights He also called on the Thai government to amend the lese majesty law in accordance with Section (Article 19) of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights on Freedom of Opinion.

1. Everyone has the right to have opinions without interference.

2. Everyone has the right to freedom of expression. This right includes the freedom to seek to receive and disseminate information, news and ideas of all kinds. Regardless of the border, be it verbally, in writing or published. In art form OR relying on other media of choice

3. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article will be accompanied by special duties and responsibilities. The exercise of such rights may be subject to limitations in certain ways. However, such restrictions must be established by law and are necessary to

(A) Respect for the rights or reputation of others

(B) Maintain national security OR peace OR public health OR people’s morals

The 16-year-old is charged with defamation, insult or malice against the King, the Queen, the heir apparent under Section 112, he was subpoenaed with Ms. Chatupon Sae-un, 23, a member of the convocation group. I myself said “Buriram Liberation”, who wears Thai clothes, participates in a fashion walk at the “People’s Arts” event on Silom Road on October 29th.

An interrogation officer from the Yannawa Metropolitan Police Station petitioned the Central Juvenile and Family Court to control him, but the court granted him bail on Monday.

The 16-year-old said after receiving assurances from the court that applying this law to large numbers of people or with children makes it less sacred and is seen as a means of attacking dissident people.

He said that he was “not afraid” but was angry and asked if Why was the expression followed by threats and prosecution? 112, before recounting the atmosphere in the room the policeman reported the allegations that the response of the officials was strangled in the incident of October 29, which generated pressure. But you can handle it.

In addition to these youth, five other young people under the age of 18 have also been prosecuted in recent political demonstrations.

Dr. Mana Treerayapiwat Parents of a 16-year-old and a well-known communication scholar He posted a message on Facebook on December 18 with the topic “Inside the hearts of 16 children who found case 112,” he said. “As a parent No academic status OR the status of social roles or affiliated organizations”

He said that you may disagree with some of the things your children do, but respect their decisions.

“I don’t know if it’s right or wrong. But I teach my children freedom of thought. Let them know how to ask questions. And seek answers for themselves While teaching them to be responsible for the consequences of their actions, whether positive or negative.

“The case must be in accordance with the justice process. How bad is it? Let’s talk again. But if you asked me about my personal feelings when I see my son at this age subject to a violent political case, it would certainly be like all the parents who suffered pain with the child. Both love and concern

“As a parent, what is best done during this difficult time? Is to hold tightly the child’s hand Ready to walk through cruelty and many obstacles together.

“We … parents, seeing children stumble like this It could only be a cushion to support the body. To hurt as little as possible Even if it costs me my own pain That must be the way of all parents, isn’t it? So?

“I sincerely hope that this heartbreaking incident will only end my family. That it will not happen to other families again.”

Network of overseas Thais calling themselves “Liberal Democracy Thai Students in Europe”, and the network issued a statement on the Facebook page. Condemns General Prayut Chan-o-cha, Prime Minister who has resumed the application of Section 112, and calls for the abolition of subpoenas and the cessation of all cases under Section 112, including the repeal of the application of Section 112 and the amendment of the law in accordance with the International principles

The list of signatories is made up of the liberal democracy group. Thai students in Europe, liberal democracy groups in Austria, Thai turbines coming out of the dictatorship, French People’s Party, Belgian People’s Party, Scottish People’s Party, Hungarian People’s Party, “Tai” People in Finland, Thai Democratic Union in Poland, Parties. Thai students in Britain for democracy, Seri Thai in Kosovo, Seri Thai in Italy, Seri Thai in Norway, Seri Thai in Denmark, Seri Thai in Sweden, Germany crushing dictators, Taiwan Alliance for Thai Democracy, Thai Democratic Movement in Canada, Thai Activists for Democracy in Korea, Australian Alliance for Thai Democracy, Parti Sosialis Malaysia (PSM), Socialist Alliance, Australia, Association for Thai Democracy, United States, Taiwan Green Party, Malaysia Support Group for Democracy in Thailand, Association for Thai Democracy, United States, Student Alliance. of New Zealand for Democracy in Thailand