[FACT comments: Thai govt has been after labour union activist Somyot for a long time. Lèse majesté…what a convenient abuse of law to censor dissidents. We should all be supporting those who have the courage of conscience and convictions and who refuse to be bullied. It doesn’t matter that Somyot publishes a Redshirt journal supporting Thaksin; the issue the freedom of expression.
Somyot’s trial starts Monday, September 21 at 9:30 am at Bangkok’s Criminal Court (San Aya) on Ratchadapisek Road near Lat Phrao MTR station, Exit 4. Just ask the infostation in which courtroom the trial will be conducted. There will be massive int’l interest in Somyot’s trial; diplomatic and media observers are widely expected.
WE URGE ALL READERS TO SPEND AT LEAST ONE MORNING OR AFTERNOON SESSION TO SUPPORT SOMYOT AND TO STAND UP FOR A FREE MEDIA.
Trial of Thai activist starts Monday
On 21 November, Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, well known editor and long time labour rights activist, will stand trial on charges of lèse majesté. He faces 30 years' imprisonment and has been denied bail four times despite his constitutional right to bail.
CCC is deeply concerned that Somyot is being denied bail just so he can remain in prison throughout his trial period and that this could ultimately influence the outcome of his case; around 98% of all Lese Majeste cases result in the defendant being found guilty. The continued denial of bail is in violation of the constitutional guarantee for a right to bail under Thai law as well as the UN International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.
CCC, along with colleagues and supporters of Somyot around the world are asking people to help pressure the authorities to allow Somyot the right to bail.
Please click here or below to send a letter to the Thai Prime Minister asking for Somyot's immediate release on bail
CCC, along with several other key organisations sent a letter calling on the Prime minister to intervene in this cases and ensure bail is granted, Somyot is released and the lese majeste laws are amended.
Take Action: Send your own letter to the Thai Prime Minister. [http://www.cleanclothes.org/urgent-actions/somyot-trial]
CCC will be issuing live reporting by trial observers and regular updates, photos and testimonies from the hearings. You can follow CCC’s coverage of Somyot’s trial on Facebook and Twitter.
Clean Clothes Campaign
