Lese majeste cases to be reviewed

Yingluck Shinawatra has heard the calls as there has been a clamor on lese majeste.

According to an AFP report, following the Truth for Reconciliation Commission’s second report, which had considerable emphasis on the odious  lese majeste law, Yingluck has asserted that her government accepts the report and “will review political trials and royal insult cases connected to five years of unrest…”. She stated:

The cabinet received recommendations and in order to create an atmosphere for reconciliation and in line with the rule of law… the government agrees to review all criminal charges and lese majeste cases to ensure fair investigations….

That is an excellent first step in rolling back lese majeste repression.

She also said that her government would seek to “… secure temporary release of political prisoners…”.

That is an excellent second step in rolling back lese majeste repression.

Government spokeswoman Titima Chaisang said the government was “seeking clear explanation” on “cases which have already been tried and resulted in conviction.”

That is an excellent third step in rolling back lese majeste repression.

Yingluck apparently considered that the review would include “charges stemming from unrest before and after the coup.” This is the promised olive branch for yellow shirts. She said “… the government is serious and willing to work with this commission to forge genuine national reconciliation”.

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