Free Somyot: Urgent message to the new Thai government before July 24

by geertjan — last modified 2013-04-24 09:51
We urgently call upon you to take action once more in support of Thai human rights activist and journalist Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, who has been in jail now on charges of 'lese majeste' for 2.5 months.

UPDATE: This appeal is not active anymore.

Thailand has elected a new government on 3 July and it is essential that Somyot's case is also brought to the attention of the new Prime Minister before 24 July 2011 which is the deadline for the indictment. On that day the prosecutor has to submit the case to the court and if he fails to do so Somyot will have to be released immediately. If the case is put forward Somyot is likely to stay in jail for at least 2 years.

http://youtu.be/6bz08OVcxBU

You can send letters to the Thai Embassy in your own country. Here is the link to find the email address of your embassy http://www.thaiembassy.com/thaiembassyww/thaiembassyww.php

For more information and for other ways to support Somyot: http://freesomyot.wordpress.com

Prime Minister

c/o Government House

Pitsanulok Road, Dusit District

Bangkok 10300

Thailand

Fax: + 662 282 8631/280 1589/629 8213

Your Excellency,

I write to inform you of the case of Somyot Pruksakasemsuk and ask you for his immediate release. Somyot, an independent journalist and labour activist strongly committed to human rights and the promotion of freedom of speech, was arrested on the 30th April 2011 and is currently being held at Bangkok Remand Prison, in Bangkok.

We understand that Somyot was arrested on a charge of defaming, insulting and threatening the King, Queen and heir apparent (Section112 of the Penal Code) a charge which he fully denies. It is believed that his arrest was due to the effort by him and other pro democracy activists to collect 10,000 signatures needed to table for a repeal of section 112 of the Criminal Code/Lese Majeste Law in parliament. This action was done in a peaceful manner and according to the procedures prescribed by the 2007 Constitution. He also was not aware that any arrest warrant had previously been issued and strongly denies any claim that he resisted arrest.

We understand that the Criminal Court agreed with the Department of Special Investigation (DSI)  has extended the detention of Somyot without bail, something we believe to be an unacceptable abuse of Somyot's human rights. His case is due for review on the 24th July 2011 and we urge you to intervene and allow him to be released -  it does not appear that he has broken any laws.

Yours sincerely,

Cc

Ms. Yingluck Shinawatra, Prime Minister - Elect

Mr Charupong, general secretary of Pheu Thai party

Mr.Sopchot Sukharom, President of the Supreme Court