Asia

companies go to court to sue human rights activists

It is becoming more and more common to sue those who denounce abuses for defamation. Three women could receive sentences of up to two years in prison. Next week a hearing will take place in which it will be decided whether they are prosecuted or not.

On September 12, the judges are expected to rule on the defamation suit filed by the Thammakaset company, dedicated to the production of chicken and derived products, against three well-known Thai human rights activists. Following the preliminary hearing on May 31, the Bangkok South Criminal Court will rule on his indictment. This is the umpteenth case of its kind, in which campaigns for the rights of workers, consumers, immigrants or practices usually considered dangerous or illegal are met with a lawsuit. The reasons for the cruelty would be the publications and videos broadcast on Twitter by three activists who showed solidarity with human rights defenders, who in turn were criticized or accused by the company.

The case covers 28 complaints for defamation, under articles 326 and 328 of the Penal Code. In two of them, Angkana Neelapaijit, former head of the National Human Rights Commissioner and member of the UN Working Group on Enforced or Involuntary Disappearances, is sued; 21, against the human rights specialist of the organization Fortify Rights, Puttanee Kangkun, and finally five more against the former communications associate of the same organization, Thanaporn Saleephol.

The accusations are based on the release of a Fortify Rights video that other courts have already deemed “non-defamatory.” If all three women are convicted, they each risk up to two years in prison and a $5,700 fine. Community Resources Foundation, the foundation that is in charge of his legal protection, has asked that the charges be dropped and that they be prohibited from being brought again under article 161/1 of the Thai Criminal Procedure Code.

On the other hand, another trial is underway against Angkana Neelapaijit in a case brought by the same company, Thammakaset, with the first hearing scheduled for March 14, 2023. Since 2016, the company has filed at least 37 lawsuits against 22 activists. human rights, most of whom have already been acquitted.

The case shows once again the constant contrast between the laws that protect freedom of information and expression – in accordance with the international commitments assumed by the country – and those that protect economic interests and image.

As Amy Smith, executive director of Fortify Rights, recalls, “decriminalizing defamation in Thailand is a measure that would significantly reduce deceptive attacks against human rights defenders. And it would show that Thailand has a genuine interest in upholding the commitments made in this regard. “.



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