Amnesty urges Thai govt to drop all charges against Thanathorn, Future Forward members

[webfact]

Amnesty urges Thai govt to drop all charges against Thanathorn, Future Forward members

By The Nation

 

 

Amnesty International has called on Thai authorities to “stop instrumentalising the legal process to intimidate and harass the leaders and members of the Future Forward party”, as the Constitutional Court prepared to deliver a judgement on Tuesday, January 21, in a case that could see the party banned and its leaders prosecuted.

 

In a statement, Amnesty said the spate of prosecutions targeting the party “appear to be in clear retaliation for activities of the party that fall within the exercise of the rights to freedom of peaceful assembly and association”.

 

The case against Future Forward was initiated on June 18 by a petition filed with the Constitutional Court by Natthaporn Toprayoon, former adviser to the chief ombudsman. Future Forward leader Thanathorn Juangroongruangkit, secretary-general Piyabutr Saengkanokkul and several party executives are alleged to have violated Section 49 of the 2017 Constitution. 

 

Despite the party’s request for a full inquiry, the court concluded that there was sufficient evidence to issue a ruling in the case, and refused to summon witnesses or examine evidence, Amnesty said. 

 

“The party could face disbandment if the court upholds the complaint, which would violate Thailand’s human rights obligations, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association of the party’s members,” the statement added.

 

Amnesty noted that another case against the party came after the Election Commission recommended that the Constitutional Court dissolve the party, in a filing dated December 11. The document alleged that the party was in breach of Sections 62, 66 and 72 of the Political Parties Act, allegedly because it had accepted more than Bt10 million in one year and accepted “illegitimate sources” of funds. The party’s 15 executive members face a ban from competing in elections or founding a party for up to ten years, while the party itself faces dissolution. Amnesty said it takes "no position regarding the character of these charges".

 

The human rights organisation claimed that the “ongoing attacks on the political opposition must be seen in the context of the Thai authorities’ continuing surveillance, intimidation, harassment and prosecution of pro-democracy activists, human rights defenders, journalists and individuals criticising the government since the May 2014 coup. Such actions continue to cause a chilling effect by way of silencing dissent, causing the public to fear exercising their human rights”.

 

Amnesty said it calls on Thai authorities, as a state party to a number of international human rights treaties, including the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to “immediately drop all charges against individuals charged simply for the peaceful exercise of their human rights”.

 

The authorities “must publicly commit to ensuring that all individuals will be allowed to freely exercise their rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association”, Amnesty added, urging the international community to “publicly speak out against human rights violations and abuses in the country [and] closely monitor the government’s continued crackdown”.

 

Source: https://www.nationthailand.com/news/30380838

 

-- © Copyright The Nation Thailand 2020-01-21

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[Thaiwrath]

4 minutes ago, webfact said:

“The party could face disbandment if the court upholds the complaint, which would violate Thailand’s human rights obligations, including the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association of the party’s members,” the statement added.

 

The powers that be here, couldn't give two hoots what Amnesty, or any other organisation, think about these charges. F.F.P. are a serious threat to their power, and, anything will be done to stop the threat.

As far as 'Thailand's human rights obligations, including the rights to freedom of expression', they disappeared a long time ago.

[Sticky Wicket]

It's about time heavy sanctions were placed on this puppet government and also it's exporters, who flout international human rights on a daily basis

[Sticky Wicket]

1 hour ago, Thaiwrath said:

The powers that be here, couldn't give two hoots what Amnesty, or any other organisation, think about these charges. F.F.P. are a serious threat to their power, and, anything will be done to stop the threat.

As far as 'Thailand's human rights obligations, including the rights to freedom of expression', they disappeared a long time ago.

The only place you ever ever hurt a Thai, is in the pocket. They will lie and obfuscate to cover the rest

Edited January 20, 2020 by Sticky Wicket

[smedly]

This current government needs to realise that part of democracy involves opposition and alternative views, it is fundamental for democracy to work, if you don't accept that then there is no democracy, opposition is healthy and keeps all voices heard

[yellowboat]

If freedom reigned, all of cha cha's prancing around, boring speeches and fancy dress would look stupid.  It would ruin his stuffy, foppish legacy. 

[holy cow cm]

Ofcourse Amnesty international said that silly. Don't they know that they have all those newly Imported armored personal carriers to uphold democracy if freedom of speech gets out of hand. Today is FFP court day. 

[BobbyL]

Judgement day today. If what we all assume to happen does, then it will be very interesting to see the global view against it. With the current state of the economy and the already declining reputation of Thailand can they afford more bad publicity? 

 

 

[sammieuk1]

Wonder what happened to the saying cheats never prosper  it must translate to they always do here????

[metisdead]

Please use discretion in your references to the government. Phrases which can be considered as anti-coup will be removed. Referring to Thailand or the government as a dictatorship, military dictatorship or other such terms will be removed:

 

 

[rkidlad]

So the case has been dropped. Apparently there was no real evidence. If there was no real evidence, how did this case ever get accepted in the first place? Me thinks this is just a big show. A red herring, if you will. Make the courts look impartial and honourable so they think they have more credibility when they do eventually dissolve FFP. I really hope I'm wrong. 

[Golden Triangle]

29 minutes ago, rkidlad said:

So the case has been dropped. Apparently there was no real evidence. If there was no real evidence, how did this case ever get accepted in the first place? Me thinks this is just a big show. A red herring, if you will. Make the courts look impartial and honourable so they think they have more credibility when they do eventually dissolve FFP. I really hope I'm wrong. 

Yep, I was just reading that on the BP site, now, what about this 'loan' business ? 

 

It wasn't a gift or donation so surely doesn't fall under the rules being spouted, it was a loan to be repaid with interest if I read all the reports right, and how can they possibly call his money illegal without providing evidence ??

 

Maybe, just maybe the courts are beginning to wake up to the fact that the dinosaurs are close to extinction so are now showing their true mettle. I really really hope so.

Edited January 21, 2020 by Golden Triangle

[rkidlad]

10 minutes ago, Golden Triangle said:

Yep, I was just reading that on the BP site, now, what about this 'loan' business ? 

 

It wasn't a gift or donation so surely doesn't fall under the rules being spouted, it was a loan to be repaid with interest if I read all the reports right, and how can they possibly call his money illegal without providing evidence ??

 

Maybe, just maybe the courts are beginning to wake up to the fact that the dinosaurs are close to extinction so are now showing their true mettle. I really really hope so.

I would love it if the courts were waking up but I don't think that's the case.

 

The courts have even admitted that rulings can be up to their interpretation. So they can just say they don't see it as a loan. They see it as a donation. In any civilized country it's not what you know it's what you can prove. Here, well, it's whatever they say it is.

[DrTuner]

Usurpers chickened out with the dissolution. Now or never, push like a madman. There's a crack in the usurper's wall.

Edited January 21, 2020 by DrTuner

[monkfish]

52 minutes ago, rkidlad said:

So the case has been dropped. Apparently there was no real evidence. If there was no real evidence, how did this case ever get accepted in the first place? Me thinks this is just a big show. A red herring, if you will. Make the courts look impartial and honourable so they think they have more credibility when they do eventually dissolve FFP. I really hope I'm wrong. 

Yes but the mud sticks and many people will believe it true and that was the objective.

[holy cow cm]

Not by all means finished or over yet. Make it look good today, cut the throat tomorrow. 

[BobbyL]

56 minutes ago, rkidlad said:

So the case has been dropped. Apparently there was no real evidence. If there was no real evidence, how did this case ever get accepted in the first place? Me thinks this is just a big show. A red herring, if you will. Make the courts look impartial and honourable so they think they have more credibility when they do eventually dissolve FFP. I really hope I'm wrong. 

They seem to have cleared them of the monarchy charge. I still think the EC will do them over the loan charge. 

[Hayduke]

12 hours ago, webfact said:

Amnesty urges Thai govt to drop all charges against Thanathorn, Future Forward members

 

Clearly Democratic Thailand couldn’t care less about what Amnesty International thinks. But if Facebook (Thailand's highest moral authority and final court of all appeals) had only made the same statement, the general would be terrified.

 

 

Edited January 21, 2020 by Hayduke

[curlylekan]

This might be the only reason that the court did not find FFP guilty. Finally, a possible lose of face has helped.I feel bad for this guy, but I'm glad he's stayed in Thailand, unlike the others who fled, and continues to try to fight the status quo

[Baerboxer]

11 hours ago, BobbyL said:

Judgement day today. If what we all assume to happen does, then it will be very interesting to see the global view against it. With the current state of the economy and the already declining reputation of Thailand can they afford more bad publicity? 

 

 

 

Apart from a few NGO's like AI, which lost its credibility years ago, I doubt anyone else will give a Monkey's apart from former PM's who are criminal fugitives.

 

USA - Impeachment, Election year; UK - Brexit, Harry & Meghan pony show; France - Macron fiddles while France burns; Germany - Angela's going soon and economy tottering; Aussie - Fires & Floods; EU - all looking out for themselves in a time of change; China, Russia and India won't give a rat's <deleted>. Neither will Japan and South Korea.

 

 

 

 

[DrTuner]

52 minutes ago, Baerboxer said:

Apart from a few NGO's like AI, which lost its credibility years ago, I doubt anyone else will give a Monkey's apart from former PM's who are criminal fugitives.

Yes, it's up to Thais to fight back if they ever want any change. But it's maibpenrai FTW and will forever be in this neck of the woods, sakdina is so embedded into the Thai psyche. Don't complain, says even the acclaimed POTY in another thread. Doomed I say, doomed.

[chama]

14 hours ago, BobbyL said:

Judgement day today. If what we all assume to happen does, then it will be very interesting to see the global view against it. With the current state of the economy and the already declining reputation of Thailand can they afford more bad publicity? 

 

 

Not sure those in decision making positions care that much about anything other than what impacts their ability to maintain trough position. Meaning Thailand's well being would come second and future actions will reflect these priorities. It appears that long term impacts are not as influential on policy as any immediate needs and scrambling to keep a lid on little issues that balloon into major issues continue to be the rule.

[Wongkitlo]

I don't know why Amnesty is complaining. The Pope thought the Thai Govt was great

[lee68]

16 hours ago, smedly said:

This current government needs to realise that part of democracy involves opposition and alternative views, it is fundamental for democracy to work, if you don't accept that then there is no democracy, opposition is healthy and keeps all voices heard

As you know these guys are all high ranking military and police in charge,they are not used to being spoken down to by the civilian opposition party,that cant happen! 

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Quote

Amnesty urges Thai govt to drop all charges against Thanathorn, Future Forward members

That seals it... Conviction guaranteed!  

 

The current government will want to show that they don't have to listen to or be influenced by any foreign interest groups....especially AI...

 

PS - So the FFP folks were found not guilty on the anti-monarchy charge... But other cases still pending including the loans case.

 

 

Quote

Future Forward faces several other ongoing legal cases, including one alleging it violated laws governing political parties by accepting loans from party leader, auto-parts billionaire Thanathorn.

 

Edited January 21, 2020 by TallGuyJohninBKK

[TallGuyJohninBKK]

Quote

The complaint also alleged the party is linked to the Illuminati, a secret society that conspiracy theorists believe seeks world domination.

 

Huh???   The government alleged what????   Really???  

[impulse]

10 hours ago, DrTuner said:

Yes, it's up to Thais to fight back if they ever want any change. But it's maibpenrai FTW and will forever be in this neck of the woods, sakdina is so embedded into the Thai psyche. Don't complain, says even the acclaimed POTY in another thread. Doomed I say, doomed.

 

When one side has all the guns and a history of using them on complainers...

 

[JustAnotherHun]

Amnesty statements should be blocked and the providers of such fake news have to be prosecuted under the computer crime suppression act.

 

Everybody knows Thailand is the best and most democratic country worldwide, a lighthouse of liberty and his freely elected leader is the most genious person ever to be on earth.

Edited January 22, 2020 by JustAnotherHun

[Scott]

Post from an unapproved source has been removed.   We are not allowed to post links to the BKK post.  

 

[billd766]

1 hour ago, rhyddid said:

Amnesty International is a US sponsored entity which take funds from the worst institutions in the globe!
Amnesty International is the mickey mouse institution that with the infamous "white helmets" and NATO support create the fake movies about the Syrian gassing.

Of course no one shall ever trust Amnesty International and just do viceversa of what they ask !


Well done Thai government ! Apply whatever charges the fellow deserve by breaking the law.
Thailand does not need another tycoons turned rogue politician, we had Thaksin, that was more then enough!  

quote "Amnesty International is a US sponsored entity which take funds from the worst institutions in the globe!"

 

https://www.google.co.uk/search?sxsrf=ACYBGNTjgq4JX91bRHuFs6XQPOJwcWsnUQ%3A1579673096337&source=hp&ei=COYnXr-JEtqR9QOOhYm4Dw&q=amnesty+international&oq=amnesty&gs_l=psy-ab.1.1.0i131j0l3j0i203l2j0l4.5426.8521..11229...1.0..0.87.565.7......0....1..gws-wiz.......35i39.RAp0UwLMYhc

 

Amnesty International is a non-governmental organization with its headquarters in the United Kingdom focused on human rights. The organization claims it has more than eight million members and supporters around the world. Wikipedia
Headquarters location: London, United Kingdom
Founder: Peter Benenson
Founded: July 1961, London, United Kingdom
Location: Global
Members: More than seven million members and supporters
Subsidiaries: Amnesty International USA, MORE

 

quote "Amnesty International is the mickey mouse institution that with the infamous "white helmets" and NATO support create the fake movies about the Syrian gassing."

 

Do you have any links or facts about that?

 

quote "Of course no one shall ever trust Amnesty International and just do vice versa of what they ask !"

 

Members: More than seven million members and supporters? That is about 7 million more than you have.

 

quote "Well done Thai government ! Apply whatever charges the fellow deserve by breaking the law."

 

The laws that that wrote and enacted to keep themselves in power, only seem to work in the governments favour.

 

quote "Thailand does not need another tycoons turned rogue politician, we had Thaksin, that was more then enough!"

 

I almost agree with you there. Instead of rogue tycoons in government Thailand has a government which came from a military coup (illegal and possibly treasonous) and they have more than their share of rogues including one who was arrested for drug smuggling, went to court and got 4 years in an Australian jail. That of course doesn't matter as it wasn't in Thailand.

 

If you are talking about Thanathorn as a tycoon turned rogue politician then you are behind the times as he was NEVER allowed to take his place in parliament though he was legally elected. In addition what proof do you offer that he would be a rogue politician?