Release of U.S. Department of State Human Rights Report, mention of lesè majesté
On 25 February 2009, the U.S. Department of State released their annual human rights reports for each country, Thailand included. While the report notes that “There were no reports of political prisoners or detainees,” the lesè majesté cases are covered. The cases of Jitra Kotchadej, Ji Giles Ungpakorn, Harry Nicolaides, Chotisak Ongsoong, Songkran Pongbunjan, Boonyuen Prasertying, Jonathan Head, Jakrapob Penkair, and Sulak Sivaraksa. Read the full report online here. While PPT is pleased that the report accounts for the LM cases, if these cases are not political, then what are they? If restrictions on speech are not political, then what are they?
The Nation, 27 February 2009: “Official US report highlights Thai human-rights failings”, has a story on the Report, and it is noticeable that it does not mention lesè majesté.
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