UDD slams govt for 'stalking Nuttawut'
LEADERS of the United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship (UDD) yesterday submitted a petition to Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha, calling on him to stop intimidating them, as some of them have been stalked 24 hours a day.
UDD leaders Thida Thavornseth said that after Jatuporn Promphan and Nuttawut Saikuar went to check the Rajabhakti Park graft allegation, security officials have stepped up checks on them by having plainclothes and uniformed officials stalk Nuttawut all day.
She said after the National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) staged a coup last year, officials would drop by at Nuttawut’s residence once a day. “The officials now follow Nuttawut’s wife in a vehicle without a licence plate while she is dropping her kids to school. This is a gross human rights violation,’’ Thida said.
She cited Article 44 of the interim charter 2014 that guarantees human rights. “Though there is also Article 44 [that gives the PM absolute power], please stop any actions that makes the country deemed lawless. Not only are all UDD leaders intimidated, even academics and members of public are,’’ she said.
She defended the move by Jatuporn and Nuttawut to check graft allegations surrounding the construction of the park, saying both did it on a personal basis and not as UDD leaders. The accusation that more red shirts would have followed the two to the park was baseless, she added.
Weerakan Musikapong said stalking Nuttawut (whom Weerakan regards as “a kindergartener”) was an overreaction. “General Prayut may not have instructed his subordinates to do this but his people think they can do anything to people whom their boss dislikes. This is a childish act,’’ he said.
He called on the PM to punish officials who had stalked Nuttawut. “This is to ensure that this country upholds the rule of law,’’ he said.
Government Spokesman Maj-General Sansern Kaewkamnerd said the government has tried to restore peace as well as ensure rights, liberty and equality.
“But it is impossible that the government would let some groups freely create chaos, instigate riots and disturb peace. Anyone who is sensible would not allow these actions,’’ he said.
He called on UDD leaders to allow the country to move forward in peace and not to seek political advantage with their anti-government attacks.
