Thailand: Human Rights Activist imprisoned
Thailand: Human Rights Activist imprisoned
Somyot's son Tai will be on hunger strike on 11-16 February, during the week of Somyot's next court hearing in Songkla province. This action is being taken because of the continued refusal of the Criminal Court to release Somyot on bail, most recently denied on the 9th February.
Update: 27/01/2012
On 26 January 2012 the request of human rights defender Mr Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, to have the next session of the court hearing against him heard in Bangkok was rejected by the court. Following the court's rejection of his recent request, Somyot will have to travel to Songkla Province, located 950 kilometres from Bangkok (13 hours by bus), for the fourth and last session of the hearing involving Prosecution witnesses which is due to take place on 13 February 2012.
Update: 17/01/2012
On January 16th, Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, editor of “ Voice of Taksin ” magazine, was brought to Nakornsawan Provincial Court for the third hearing of the prosecution witnesses.
Update 20/12/2011
On 19 Dec, Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, editor of Voice of Taksin magazine and red-shirt leader, was brought to the provincial court in Phetchabun in lower northern Thailand for the hearing of the second prosecution witness, a former employee of his magazine. The court room was packed with an audience from Bangkok and local areas.
"I will continue to fight for my freedom from prison. I appeal to all the international community– friends and comrades to continue to support democracy, freedom and justice in Thailand"
On Monday 19th December Somyot starts his second day on trial on charges of Lese Majeste (offending the King). If found guilty at the end of his trial in May 2012 he faces a possible thirty year imprisonment.
Act Now
The trial of Thai labour rights activist and journalist Somyot Prueksakasemsuk, started on 21st November 2011, following seven months in detention on charges of lèse majesté. If found guilty he could face 30 years' imprisonment.
ACT NOW!
"Here I sit in a cell behind the tight iron bars, or a “jail”. All my freedom lost, I am held in custody just by myself and am barred from communicating with the world. It causes me unprecedented and deepest grievance, physically and mentally.
Act now to demand the immediate release of the well-known Thai human-rights activist and journalist Somyot Pruksakasemsuk, who was arrested on April 30th 2011 accussed of commiting a crime of lèse majesté (insulting the king). These charges can lead to a maximum of 15 years in prison and is widely criticised for being used to silence political opponents and human-rights activists.
