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UN Condemns Growing Repression in Thailand

Lisa Schlein

   GENEVA, SWITZERLAND - The Office of the U.N. High Commissioner for
   Human Rights is expressing alarm at the growing repression and
   clampdown on freedom of expression and assembly in Thailand.

   In recent weeks, Thai authorities have charged at least 35 protesters,
   including a 16-year-old student, with defaming the country's royal
   family. A spokeswoman for the U.N. High Commissioner for Human Rights,
   Ravina Shamdasani, saidthe juvenile's arrest is particularly alarming.

   She saidthe young boy was arrested on so-called lese majeste charges
   after participating in a fashion show mocking the royal family's
   fashion style. Lese majeste is a provision of Thailand's criminal code,
   that carries sentences of between three and 15 years' imprisonment for
   defaming, insulting or threatening the country's royal family.

   Shamdasani saidthe fashion show was part of a student rally organized
   as part of mass protests that have been going on for the past four
   months. Protesters are calling for an overhaul of the government and
   military as well as reform of the monarchy.

   Shamdasani saidthe students and young boy were just exercising their
   right of free expression.

   "So, to use law, which carries a maximum sentence of 15 years'
   imprisonment for this quote-unquote offense does not fit in with
   Thailand's obligations under the International Covenant on Political
   and Civil Rights with regards to the right of freedom of expression,"
   she said.

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