Rights activists on Monday renewed calls for an end to martial law imposed since Thailand’s coup, accusing the military of overseeing a judicial “twilight zone” following their power grab.
BANGKOK (AFP) – Rights activists on Monday renewed calls for an end to martial law imposed since Thailand’s coup, accusing the military of overseeing a judicial “twilight zone” following their power grab.
Army chief Prayut Chan-O-Cha introduced the draconian law two days before the May 22 coup that he led swept the elected government from power. He cited the need to restore peace and order after months of protests.
Martial law “is tantamount to a twilight zone of judicial process during which the officials have broad powers without checks and review”, the report said, adding such powers may lead to “serious violations… of fundamental human rights”.
The release of the study, “The Human rights Situation 100 Days After the Coup”, was scheduled last week but the authorities warned its authors to postpone publication. The report expressed particular concern over trials in military courts and the use of a controversial royal defamation law to protect key members of the monarchy.