NHRC looks into students’ rights violation

He was speaking at the organisation’s 15th anniversary.

The commission will take an official stance on this matter once a conclusion is reached, he said. 

The seven were among 13 activists who were arrested on June 23 for violating a ban on political gatherings and campaigning against the charter draft. They were arrested while distributing leaflets on the draft charter in Samut Prakan area.

The students were shackled while being taken to court last week to hear the ruling on a police request for a second round of detention. The request was dismissed in court. The shackling of the students also raised strong criticism about whether it was appropriate to chain them. 

The NHRC chairman also jumped into the fray, saying they were only cuffed at the feet, which raised another storm of criticism toward him and the organisation. Yesterday, he tried to retract his comment, saying he was just questioning the use of “foot cuffs” and whether correction officers had the authority to chain detainees. 

At the anniversary event, the NHRC updated the Nation on the handling of human rights for political prisoners and victims ahead of the referendum.

NHRC commissioner Surachet Satitniramai said the commission was planning to call on the government or other concerned agencies to amend related laws. 

“We are planning to propose that the 2005 emergency decree and the 2008 Internal Security Act be amended,” he said. “The laws should be amended and stipulate a new treatment standard to ensure that all victims are treated fairly and offenders are brought to justice.” 

Surachet said the treatment for victims depends on the Cabinet’s different resolutions, which may not always be fair for all victims. 

NHRC chairman Vas added that the commission was also able to propose suggestions to the Constitutional Court and the Administrative Court on cases that are considered to be infringing on political rights. However, he said, the commission could not file a petition with the Courts of Justice on behalf of a victim. 

“Another mechanism that the commissioner can use to help resolve the cases would be to mediate a settlement between two parties. However, both sides have to ask and agree to have NHRC become their mediator,” he said.