Following the use of disproportionate force against protestors on 7 August, the Asian Forum for Human Rights and Development (FORUM-ASIA) said:
Despite its obligations under international human rights law to respect, protect and fulfill the right to freedom of assembly, the government of Thailand has continued to use disproportionate force against protestors by firing water cannons, tear gas and rubber bullets.
The government has also reportedly arrested 18 protestors even before the protest, of whom eight are charged with criminal offences and the rest with the violation of emergency decree. Authorities are continuing to arrest prominent protest leaders at press time.
FORUM-ASIA calls on the Thai government to refrain from any further arrests, drop the charges against protestors, and to provide an enabling environment where individuals can raise concerns without the fear of reprisals.
The government must end its continuous intimidation and harassment of members of the pro-democracy movement, and end the use of the emergency law as a pretext to crack down on dissent. If it is to be held credible by its people and the international community, then human rights and fundamental freedoms must be at the centre of its governance.
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For further information, please contact:
- East Asia-ASEAN Programme, FORUM-ASIA, [email protected]
For media inquiries, please contact:
- Communication and Media Programme, FORUM-ASIA, [email protected]
