STATEMENT: Thailand – Activists
“Between 21 to 22 May, the UN Human Rights Office for South-East Asia, together with other UN offices, observed a peaceful assembly organized by “Individuals Who Want Election”, a group of political and young activists that have been holding consecutive assemblies calling for a general election to be held by the end of 2018.
UN observers coordinated and held meetings with both the organisers and officials from the Royal Thai Police. Representatives from the “Public Assembly Monitoring and Human Rights Network”, a recently established civil society network with whom OHCHR has been working closely, were also present.
The demonstration, which took place at Thammasat University in Bangkok, was held to remember the four year anniversary of the 22 May 2014 military coup. In the afternoon, 11 leaders and activists were arrested by police officers. They will be brought to Chanasongkhram Police Station. The NCPO filed a complaint accusing five leaders of violating NCPO order 3/2015 which prohibits the political gathering of more than five people.
The UN Human Rights Office calls for the immediate release of these activists. We have consistently urged the Royal Thai Government, as a party to the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights, to fully respect the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly.”
