Local and international human rights activists are calling for the urgent establishment of an independent panel to investigate the deadly clashes between security forces and red shirt anti-government protesters.
Somchai: Lawyer heads civic network
A network of local civic groups headed by human rights lawyer Somchai Homla-or said yesterday an independent panel must be set up to find out what happened during the recent political rallies which turned violent and the crackdown on the supporters of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship by government forces.
The clashes left 85 people dead, mostly civilians, and at least 1,042 injured.
The group said the investigation into the clashes should cover the application of the rule of law, political issues and codes of ethics, and the military operations which resulted in the deaths and injuries.
The independent commission must have the authority to call officials from the government and security forces, media and members of the public to give evidence, the group said in a statement.
Nimit Tienudom, from the No Civil War Group, said 63 individuals and 14 civic groups had signed the statement.
Mr Nimit, also an Aids activist, said people on all sides of the political divide - including red shirts, military officers and peace advocates - should contribute to the investigation to ensure impartiality.Surasak Intaraprasit, a member of the Bangkok Community Organisation Network (BCON), said the group supported the proposed independent investigation as residents from several Bangkok communities were caught up in the bloody clashes.
BCON will visit the Bon Kai community today and later this week to hold a community seminar to learn more about what happened during the unrest.
Navy Capt Prajak Wangkanon, another activist, said the proposed panel should be made up of respected and experienced people who would be acceptable to the public and the media.
Somluck Hutanuwat, from the Social Venture Network, said civil society should play a key role in helping heal social divisions. "We need the whole truth to be explained," she said.
"We need to know if there were any other options in addressing the problems. We need to know who was involved in every single incident."
New York-based Human Rights Watch has called for Thailand to conduct an independent inquiry into the political violence.
"Now that the protests are over, the government should properly investigate and prosecute those who broke the law," HRW's acting Asia director Elaine Pearson said.
HRW urged the government to show its commitment to justice by having the National Human Rights Commission, a parliamentary inquiry and an independent panel investigate the clashes.
Acts of violence carried out by suspected UDD supporters and affiliated militants against the government forces and civilians, as well as orders permitting the use of live rounds by security forces and possible misuses of force needed to be examined, the organisation said.
An investigation should also examine alleged abuses relating to the enforcement of the Internal Security Act and the emergency decree.
Meanwhile, the Lawyers Council of Thailand has volunteered to provide free legal services to city residents who were affected by the political unrest, said newly appointed president Sak Korsaengruang.
Many city residents had their property and possessions damaged during last Wednesday's riots. Help should be provided to victims who suffered arson, theft, loss of income and physical abuse, he said.
"Our target group is small retailers and local residents who appear to have less bargaining power than big firms."
From :Bangkok Post
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