Quote of the day

“The four were convicted for acts that must never constitute offences in a court that must never try civilians.”

Rupert Abbott, Amnesty International’s Deputy Asia Pacific Director, referring to a judgment of the Bangkok Military Court

Amnesty International opposes the use of military courts to try civilians in all countries and in all circumstances, as it violates fair trial rights. Civilians convicted in a military court in Thailand have no right of appeal to a higher court.

* * * 

“Trying civilians in military courts with no right to appeal violates Thailand’s commitments to protect the right to a fair trial. The Thai authorities should also immediately reinstate the rights to freedom of expression and peaceful assembly – the current sweeping restrictions on these rights are creating a climate of fear.”