Philippines: Ampatuan massacre case witness killed | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
Edwin Espejo, May 31, 2012
A day after Philippine Justice Secretary Leila de Lima defended her government’s human rights record before the United Nation’s Universal Periodic Review in Geneva, a witness in the 2009 Ampatuan massacre was reported to have been killed, and apparently mutilated, more than two months after he was reported missing.
According to private prosecutor Nena Satos, police authorities in Maguindanao confirmed the death of Esmail Amil Enog who was reportedly chopped into pieces.
Enog was admitted as state witness but declined to put himself under the government’s witness protection program because he did not want to be restricted to government safe houses.
He testified in July that he drove at least 36 armed men to the remote village of Malataing in Ampatuan town of Maguindanao where 57 people, including 32 journalists and media workers, were gunned down on November 23, 2009.
The journalists and media workers were to cover the filing of the certificate of candidacy then of now Maguindanao Gov. Esmael ‘Toto’ Mangudadatu.
Police did not provide information on who was behind the killing of Enog.
Another possible witness who was mentioned by Enog during his testimony, Alijol Ampatuan, is also reported missing.
Enog was the latest witness in the Ampatuan murder case to be killed since trial began last year.
In July 2010, Suwaib Upham, who confessed to participation in the brutal killings, was reported to have been killed by unknown assassins. Upham was reportedly poised to turn state witness.
Relatives of other witnesses have also been killed in separate instances and under mysterious circumstances and another suspect who turned state witness reportedly jumped to his death inside the heavily secured police detention center in Bicutan, Metro Manila.
A total of 196 people, majority of them police officers and paramilitary forces of the Ampatuan family, are now facing murder charges.
Only 97, however, have been arrested and only 17 have been arraigned so far.
The suspects are led by Andal Ampatuan Sr and sons Anwar Jr, Zaldy, Sajid and brother Kanor Ampatuan.
Among those killed were six member of the Mangudadatu family, their two lawyers and several other relatives.
Genalyn Mangudadatu, headed the convoy that was on its way to file the certificate of candidacy of her husband Toto Mangudadatu. She and members of the convoy, including some innocent motorists, did not reach the provincial capitol
Andal Sr. was former governor of Maguindanao and eldest son Zaldy was governor of the Autonomous Region in Muslim Mindanao at the time of the killings.
Anwar Jr, who was tagged by witnesses as the one who flagged down the convoy in Ampatuan town, is the mayor of Datu Unsay town.
He would have run for governor and faced Toto Mangudadatu.
International outcry over the worst election-related violence however led to the declaration of martial law in the province. The killings were also the worst single-day murders of journalists and media workers in the world.
The Ampatuans were arrested in the ensuing crackdown but only Anwar Sr and Anwar Jr have been arraigned more than 30 months after the murders.
Thursday, May 31, 2012
Prospect of Thaksin return heats up Thai politics | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
Prospect of Thaksin return heats up Thai politics | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
AP News, May 31, 2012
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s politics heated up Wednesday over a bill that could herald the return of divisive ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, while his former top lieutenants prepared to re-enter the political arena after a five-year ban.
The party of current Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra, Thaksin’s sister, was hoping to introduce legislation in Parliament Thursday that is widely seen as a possible first step toward providing amnesty for her fugitive brother’s convictions and allowing him to return unencumbered to Thailand.
Thaksin had been ousted by a 2006 military coup after being accused of abuse of power and disrespect to Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. His party was dissolved by a legal decision the year after, and he was among the 111 executives of his Thai Rak Thai Party banned from politics for five years. He also was convicted in absentia of corruption while in self-imposed exile.
The prospect of Thaksin’s return has galvanized his opponents inside and outside Parliament, threatening to reopen political wounds from a six-year struggle between Thaksin’s opponents and supporters.
His Yellow Shirt opponents in the People’s Alliance for Democracy were back on the streets Wednesday in one of their largest demonstrations in recent months. They oppose a government-backed reconciliation bill to grant amnesty to all parties involved in political violence and wrongdoing from the end of 2005 through mid-2010, a period when Thailand was wracked by turmoil and street protests.
Yellow Shirts’ protests in 2006 set the stage for the coup, and in 2008 they occupied the prime minister’s offices for three months and Bangkok’s two airports for a week to pressure two pro-Thaksin prime ministers out of office.
The street protests Wednesday were peaceful, but the scene was different in Parliament, where police had to keep order as the opposition Democrat Party sought to derail efforts to schedule debate on the bill. At one point, a female Democrat lawmaker dragged the House speaker’s empty chair off the podium, sparking a scuffle with government members of Parliament. A phalanx of policemen retrieved the chair.
Meanwhile, the five-year ban on Thaksin and his party associates was set to expire at midnight Wednesday. The Constitutional Court in 2007 had ordered the Thai Rak Thai Party dissolved and its top members suspended from politics for five years. The court had found two senior members guilty of electoral law violations in 2006.
Thaksin’s opponents sought to purge his influence after the coup, launching investigations of his finances and using other measures to try to cripple his political machine, which he built using a fortune made in telecommunications.
The re-entry into politics of Thaksin’s party leaders was widely expected to lead to a reshuffle in the Yingluck’s Cabinet, although many of the current members may be reluctant to give up their positions.
Karn Yuenyong, executive director of the independent, Bangkok-based research institute Siam Intelligence Unit, said the returnees could bring some valuable experience into the administration.
“This, in a way, will help the Yingluck government sail through its four-year term,” Karn said, adding that some of the current ministers “have not been performing really well in the past few months.”
AP News, May 31, 2012
BANGKOK (AP) — Thailand’s politics heated up Wednesday over a bill that could herald the return of divisive ex-Prime Minister Thaksin Shinawatra, while his former top lieutenants prepared to re-enter the political arena after a five-year ban.
Thaksin had been ousted by a 2006 military coup after being accused of abuse of power and disrespect to Thai King Bhumibol Adulyadej. His party was dissolved by a legal decision the year after, and he was among the 111 executives of his Thai Rak Thai Party banned from politics for five years. He also was convicted in absentia of corruption while in self-imposed exile.
The prospect of Thaksin’s return has galvanized his opponents inside and outside Parliament, threatening to reopen political wounds from a six-year struggle between Thaksin’s opponents and supporters.
His Yellow Shirt opponents in the People’s Alliance for Democracy were back on the streets Wednesday in one of their largest demonstrations in recent months. They oppose a government-backed reconciliation bill to grant amnesty to all parties involved in political violence and wrongdoing from the end of 2005 through mid-2010, a period when Thailand was wracked by turmoil and street protests.
Yellow Shirts’ protests in 2006 set the stage for the coup, and in 2008 they occupied the prime minister’s offices for three months and Bangkok’s two airports for a week to pressure two pro-Thaksin prime ministers out of office.
The street protests Wednesday were peaceful, but the scene was different in Parliament, where police had to keep order as the opposition Democrat Party sought to derail efforts to schedule debate on the bill. At one point, a female Democrat lawmaker dragged the House speaker’s empty chair off the podium, sparking a scuffle with government members of Parliament. A phalanx of policemen retrieved the chair.
Meanwhile, the five-year ban on Thaksin and his party associates was set to expire at midnight Wednesday. The Constitutional Court in 2007 had ordered the Thai Rak Thai Party dissolved and its top members suspended from politics for five years. The court had found two senior members guilty of electoral law violations in 2006.
Thaksin’s opponents sought to purge his influence after the coup, launching investigations of his finances and using other measures to try to cripple his political machine, which he built using a fortune made in telecommunications.
The re-entry into politics of Thaksin’s party leaders was widely expected to lead to a reshuffle in the Yingluck’s Cabinet, although many of the current members may be reluctant to give up their positions.
Karn Yuenyong, executive director of the independent, Bangkok-based research institute Siam Intelligence Unit, said the returnees could bring some valuable experience into the administration.
“This, in a way, will help the Yingluck government sail through its four-year term,” Karn said, adding that some of the current ministers “have not been performing really well in the past few months.”
ASEAN firms resilient amid slowdown | The Jakarta Post
ASEAN firms resilient amid slowdown | The Jakarta Post
The Jakarta Post, May 31, 2012
The economic slowdown in Europe and US has not affected the shipping industry in Southeast Asia due to vibrant trade within the region that comprised 27 percent of total ASEAN trade last year, analysts from Frost and Sullivan said.
“People are questioning the impact of the slower growth of the economy in the US and Europe. Apparently it hasn’t had any impact on us, because trading among the countries in ASEAN is increasing. We are expecting an intra-trading increase from 27 percent to 29 percent this year,” Frost and Sullivan vice president for transportation and logistics in the Asia-Pacific region Gopal R said.
According to Gopal, there was an aggressive expansion plan for major ASEAN ports to build their capacity, which reflected the healthy condition of the industry in the region.
For example, the port of Singapore, with a current capacity of 29.9 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEU), will be expanded to 55 million TEU in 2018, while Port Klang in Malaysia is going to be expanded to 10 million TEU 2013 from the current 8 million TEU, and Tanjung Priok will be expanded to 11 million TEU in 2017 from its current 5.9 million TEU.
According to Indonesian Shipowners Association (INSA) chairperson Carmelita Hartoto, the overall shipping industry in the country and the region was still strong and many shipping companies booked profits last year.
“Few shipping companies are facing financial difficulties due to freight market that focuses on US and European countries. They are affected by decreasing demand and the high price of fuel,” Carmelita told The Jakarta Post.
Among the shipping firms that have been hardest hit by lower demand from the US and Europe are Berlian Laju Tanker (BLTA), which announced a covenant breach in its debt payments this year; Arpeni Pratama Ocean Line, which has undertaken a debt restructuring program; and Humpuss Intermoda Transport (HITS), which may soon file for bankruptcy.
“Shipping companies that focus on the domestic market and the ASEAN market generally have a positive outlook this year because the freight demand is high,” she added.
Deputy Transportation Minister Bambang Susantono said that Southeast Asia remained an important hub for cargo flow given its strategic location and the strong growth in the region.
“Due to the economic crisis in Europe and US, along with the shift of economic power from west to east, Southeast Asia will remain the most interesting region for the next 20 years. This situation means new opportunities are open for new markets, for example Indonesia,” Bambang said.
Gopal said that ASEAN had a few trading obstacles, such as a lack of border management capabilities, lack of trade facilitation and a low competency level in infrastructure.
“As for Indonesia, the priorities in port development to support the inter-trade with ASEAN members are, among other things, the improvement of port infrastructure, quality road networks between ports and strict and transparent policy in customs processes,” he said. (nad)
The Jakarta Post, May 31, 2012
The economic slowdown in Europe and US has not affected the shipping industry in Southeast Asia due to vibrant trade within the region that comprised 27 percent of total ASEAN trade last year, analysts from Frost and Sullivan said.
“People are questioning the impact of the slower growth of the economy in the US and Europe. Apparently it hasn’t had any impact on us, because trading among the countries in ASEAN is increasing. We are expecting an intra-trading increase from 27 percent to 29 percent this year,” Frost and Sullivan vice president for transportation and logistics in the Asia-Pacific region Gopal R said.
According to Gopal, there was an aggressive expansion plan for major ASEAN ports to build their capacity, which reflected the healthy condition of the industry in the region.
For example, the port of Singapore, with a current capacity of 29.9 million 20-foot equivalent units (TEU), will be expanded to 55 million TEU in 2018, while Port Klang in Malaysia is going to be expanded to 10 million TEU 2013 from the current 8 million TEU, and Tanjung Priok will be expanded to 11 million TEU in 2017 from its current 5.9 million TEU.
According to Indonesian Shipowners Association (INSA) chairperson Carmelita Hartoto, the overall shipping industry in the country and the region was still strong and many shipping companies booked profits last year.
“Few shipping companies are facing financial difficulties due to freight market that focuses on US and European countries. They are affected by decreasing demand and the high price of fuel,” Carmelita told The Jakarta Post.
Among the shipping firms that have been hardest hit by lower demand from the US and Europe are Berlian Laju Tanker (BLTA), which announced a covenant breach in its debt payments this year; Arpeni Pratama Ocean Line, which has undertaken a debt restructuring program; and Humpuss Intermoda Transport (HITS), which may soon file for bankruptcy.
“Shipping companies that focus on the domestic market and the ASEAN market generally have a positive outlook this year because the freight demand is high,” she added.
Deputy Transportation Minister Bambang Susantono said that Southeast Asia remained an important hub for cargo flow given its strategic location and the strong growth in the region.
“Due to the economic crisis in Europe and US, along with the shift of economic power from west to east, Southeast Asia will remain the most interesting region for the next 20 years. This situation means new opportunities are open for new markets, for example Indonesia,” Bambang said.
Gopal said that ASEAN had a few trading obstacles, such as a lack of border management capabilities, lack of trade facilitation and a low competency level in infrastructure.
“As for Indonesia, the priorities in port development to support the inter-trade with ASEAN members are, among other things, the improvement of port infrastructure, quality road networks between ports and strict and transparent policy in customs processes,” he said. (nad)
Wednesday, May 30, 2012
THAILAND: Verdict in landmark freedom of expression case
THAILAND: Verdict in landmark freedom of expression case
Asian Human Rights Commission, May 31, 2012
Dear friends,
On 30 May 2012, the Criminal Court read its verdict in the case in Black Case No. 1667/2553, in which Chiranuch Premchaiporn was charged with ten alleged violations of the 2007 Computer Crimes Act (CCA). Chiranuch is the 44-year-old webmaster of Prachatai, an independent online news site, which has served as an important platform for critical news, discussion, and debate for over seven years in Thailand. The charges against her in this case stemmed from her alleged failure to remove comments deemed offensive to the monarchy from the Prachatai webboard quickly enough. The Court found Chiranuch guilty for one out of the ten charges, and she was sentenced to one year in prison and a 30,000 baht fine. Resulting from her cooperation with the Court and the fact that this was her first offence, this was immediately reduced to a suspended sentence of eight months and a 20,000 baht fine.
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) welcomes the news that Chiranuch will remain outside prison and be able to continue her and Prachatai’s ground-breaking work expanding and sustaining the space for freedom of expression in Thailand. Yet we are gravely dismayed at the broader threat to freedom of expression and human rights represented by the return of a guilty verdict in this case.
Throughout this case, what has been of concern is the use of the CCA’s vague provisions to constrict freedom of expression by not only making an individual who writes or posts a comment, image, or video online potentially criminally liable, but also making the providers of internet services, such as webboard moderators, equally liable. Under section 14 of the CCA, anyone can be jailed for five years if found to have imported to a computer "false computer data in a manner that it is likely to damage the country's security or cause a public panic… [or] any computer data related with an offence against the Kingdom's security under the Criminal Code". Under its section 15, the service provider found to “intentionally supporting or consenting to” the use of the computer for this purpose is equally liable as the person committing the offence, which in the case of Chiranuch is the crime of lese majesty, as stipulated in section 112 of the Criminal Code, that, "Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent, shall be punished (with) imprisonment of three to fifteen years." In the case of Chiranuch Premchaiporn, the prosecution alleged that she should have removed comments deemed to be damaging to the monarchy more quickly, and in not doing so, had violated the CCA.
One of the crucial issues for both the prosecution and the defense was the determination of what constitutes “intentionally supporting or consenting to” and, more specifically, an appropriate length of time within which questionable webboard comments must be removed. In the decision, the abbreviated version of which has been posted on the Prachatai website, the judges responded with an assessment of the appropriate length of time. The decision notes that in nine of the ten comments in question, they were removed within one to eleven days, and that this indicates that Chiranuch did not intentionally support or consent to them. In the instance of the tenth comment, which remained online for twenty days before she removed it, however, the Court concluded that this indicated “implied consent”. On the basis of this assessment, Chiranuch was found guilty of one charge of violating the Computer Crimes Act.
As Google noted in a statement released after the verdict was announced on 30 May 2012, the CCA poses threats to a free and open internet in Thailand because it lacks “transparent rules about how to identify and react to unlawful content.”Although Thailand’s legal system is not precedent-based, this decision partially begins the process of clarifying the constituent vagueness of the Computer Crimes Act. Within this decision, a period of up to eleven days to remove a comment deemed damaging is acceptable and legal; a period of twenty days is unacceptable and criminal. Yet the decision introduces another dangerous lack of clarity with the category of “implied consent.” The text of the CCA mentions intentional support and consent, and the category of “implied consent” indicates that whether or not the consent is explicit or implicit is immaterial in the eyes of the law.
Further, in the abbreviated decision the Court addressed the issue of freedom of expression and its relevance in this case. As a reminder, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Thailand is a state party, mandates that:
While not acknowledging Article 19, the Court addresses section 3 (b). It is worth quoting at length from the abbreviated decision here:
On the one hand, there is nothing vague about this statement. Webboard moderators, editors, service providers, and anyone else covered by Article 15 of the CCA must anticipate potential threats to national security by anyone who writes, posts, or uses their services. Yet what remains unclear is the precise method by which the comments on the Prachatai webboard were a threat to national security or the liberty of others. Within this unexplained gap, restrictions on the freedom of expression and related human rights violations flourish. The onus remains on the Court to precisely outline the meaning of national security and the specific threats posed to it.
In view of the above facts, the Asian Human Rights Commission calls on the Thai government to explain this decision, and the logic supplied for it, with its obligations under Article 19 of the ICCPR. Simultaneously, within the context of these continued threats to freedom, the AHRC congratulates Chiranuch Premchaiporn and Prachatai on their continued opportunities to work for the full realization of human rights in Thailand. As additional recent charges and convictions under Article 112 and the Computer Crimes Act indicate, this work is needed now more than ever.
Asian Human Rights Commission, May 31, 2012
Dear friends,
On 30 May 2012, the Criminal Court read its verdict in the case in Black Case No. 1667/2553, in which Chiranuch Premchaiporn was charged with ten alleged violations of the 2007 Computer Crimes Act (CCA). Chiranuch is the 44-year-old webmaster of Prachatai, an independent online news site, which has served as an important platform for critical news, discussion, and debate for over seven years in Thailand. The charges against her in this case stemmed from her alleged failure to remove comments deemed offensive to the monarchy from the Prachatai webboard quickly enough. The Court found Chiranuch guilty for one out of the ten charges, and she was sentenced to one year in prison and a 30,000 baht fine. Resulting from her cooperation with the Court and the fact that this was her first offence, this was immediately reduced to a suspended sentence of eight months and a 20,000 baht fine.
The Asian Human Rights Commission (AHRC) welcomes the news that Chiranuch will remain outside prison and be able to continue her and Prachatai’s ground-breaking work expanding and sustaining the space for freedom of expression in Thailand. Yet we are gravely dismayed at the broader threat to freedom of expression and human rights represented by the return of a guilty verdict in this case.
Throughout this case, what has been of concern is the use of the CCA’s vague provisions to constrict freedom of expression by not only making an individual who writes or posts a comment, image, or video online potentially criminally liable, but also making the providers of internet services, such as webboard moderators, equally liable. Under section 14 of the CCA, anyone can be jailed for five years if found to have imported to a computer "false computer data in a manner that it is likely to damage the country's security or cause a public panic… [or] any computer data related with an offence against the Kingdom's security under the Criminal Code". Under its section 15, the service provider found to “intentionally supporting or consenting to” the use of the computer for this purpose is equally liable as the person committing the offence, which in the case of Chiranuch is the crime of lese majesty, as stipulated in section 112 of the Criminal Code, that, "Whoever defames, insults or threatens the King, Queen, the Heir-apparent or the Regent, shall be punished (with) imprisonment of three to fifteen years." In the case of Chiranuch Premchaiporn, the prosecution alleged that she should have removed comments deemed to be damaging to the monarchy more quickly, and in not doing so, had violated the CCA.
One of the crucial issues for both the prosecution and the defense was the determination of what constitutes “intentionally supporting or consenting to” and, more specifically, an appropriate length of time within which questionable webboard comments must be removed. In the decision, the abbreviated version of which has been posted on the Prachatai website, the judges responded with an assessment of the appropriate length of time. The decision notes that in nine of the ten comments in question, they were removed within one to eleven days, and that this indicates that Chiranuch did not intentionally support or consent to them. In the instance of the tenth comment, which remained online for twenty days before she removed it, however, the Court concluded that this indicated “implied consent”. On the basis of this assessment, Chiranuch was found guilty of one charge of violating the Computer Crimes Act.
As Google noted in a statement released after the verdict was announced on 30 May 2012, the CCA poses threats to a free and open internet in Thailand because it lacks “transparent rules about how to identify and react to unlawful content.”Although Thailand’s legal system is not precedent-based, this decision partially begins the process of clarifying the constituent vagueness of the Computer Crimes Act. Within this decision, a period of up to eleven days to remove a comment deemed damaging is acceptable and legal; a period of twenty days is unacceptable and criminal. Yet the decision introduces another dangerous lack of clarity with the category of “implied consent.” The text of the CCA mentions intentional support and consent, and the category of “implied consent” indicates that whether or not the consent is explicit or implicit is immaterial in the eyes of the law.
Further, in the abbreviated decision the Court addressed the issue of freedom of expression and its relevance in this case. As a reminder, Article 19 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR), to which Thailand is a state party, mandates that:
"1. Everyone shall have the right to hold opinions without interference.
2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.
3. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary:
(a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others;
(b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals."
2. Everyone shall have the right to freedom of expression; this right shall include freedom to seek, receive and impart information and ideas of all kinds, regardless of frontiers, either orally, in writing or in print, in the form of art, or through any other media of his choice.
3. The exercise of the rights provided for in paragraph 2 of this article carries with it special duties and responsibilities. It may therefore be subject to certain restrictions, but these shall only be such as are provided by law and are necessary:
(a) For respect of the rights or reputations of others;
(b) For the protection of national security or of public order (ordre public), or of public health or morals."
While not acknowledging Article 19, the Court addresses section 3 (b). It is worth quoting at length from the abbreviated decision here:
"The court acknowledges that freedom of
expression is a basic right of citizens that is guaranteed and protected
in the Thai Constitution. This is because freedom of thought and
expression reflects good governance and the democratization of a given
entity or nation. Criticism from the people, both positive and negative,
provide an opportunity to improve the nation, given entity, and
individuals for the better. But when the defendant opened a channel for
the expression of opinions within a computer system, she was the service
provider and it was within her control. The defendant had a duty to
review the opinions and information that may have impacted the country’s
security as well as the liberty of others who must be respected as
well…. [with respect to comments found to be damaging] the defendant
cannot cite freedom of expression in order to be released from
responsibility."
On the one hand, there is nothing vague about this statement. Webboard moderators, editors, service providers, and anyone else covered by Article 15 of the CCA must anticipate potential threats to national security by anyone who writes, posts, or uses their services. Yet what remains unclear is the precise method by which the comments on the Prachatai webboard were a threat to national security or the liberty of others. Within this unexplained gap, restrictions on the freedom of expression and related human rights violations flourish. The onus remains on the Court to precisely outline the meaning of national security and the specific threats posed to it.
In view of the above facts, the Asian Human Rights Commission calls on the Thai government to explain this decision, and the logic supplied for it, with its obligations under Article 19 of the ICCPR. Simultaneously, within the context of these continued threats to freedom, the AHRC congratulates Chiranuch Premchaiporn and Prachatai on their continued opportunities to work for the full realization of human rights in Thailand. As additional recent charges and convictions under Article 112 and the Computer Crimes Act indicate, this work is needed now more than ever.
NPA rebels wound 6, seize guns in Agusan Sur attack
NPA rebels wound 6, seize guns in Agusan Sur attack
Associated Press, May 30th, 2012
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine military and communist guerrillas on Wednesday said communist rebels attacked a military outpost in the mountainous southeast and that civilians were wounded.
New People’s Army spokesman Jorge Madlos said more than 60 guerrillas raided the outpost in San Luis town in Agusan del Sur province early Wednesday. He said a soldier and five civilians were wounded and the rebels seized 17 mostly assault firearms.
Madlos said villagers had complained troops and militiamen were harassing them out of suspicion they were rebel sympathizers.
Military spokesman Major Eugenio Osias said details of the attack were sketchy but that initial reports showed three civilians were shot and wounded by the rebels.
Associated Press, May 30th, 2012
MANILA, Philippines—The Philippine military and communist guerrillas on Wednesday said communist rebels attacked a military outpost in the mountainous southeast and that civilians were wounded.
New People’s Army spokesman Jorge Madlos said more than 60 guerrillas raided the outpost in San Luis town in Agusan del Sur province early Wednesday. He said a soldier and five civilians were wounded and the rebels seized 17 mostly assault firearms.
Madlos said villagers had complained troops and militiamen were harassing them out of suspicion they were rebel sympathizers.
Military spokesman Major Eugenio Osias said details of the attack were sketchy but that initial reports showed three civilians were shot and wounded by the rebels.
Webmaster gets deferred jail term | Bangkok Post: news
Webmaster gets deferred jail term | Bangkok Post: news
Agence France-Presse, 30 May 201
Chiranuch Premchaiporn was found guilty of failing to speedily delete
comments posted by other people that were deemed insulting to the royal
family from her popular news website, Prachatai. The Bangkok court
fined her 20,000 baht ($630).
But Judge Kampol Rungrat, while sentencing Chiranuch to eight months in jail, suspended the sentence for a year, saying that she had cooperated with the court and had "never violated the law herself''.
"The defendant cannot deny responsibility for taking care of content on her website," he said, adding she was initially given a one-year jail term but that this was cut to eight months for her "useful" testimony to the court.
According to the verdict, there were nine comments critical of the monarchy on Chiranuch's website.
Eight of the comments were deleted promptly, inside 20 days, but one of them remained on the website for 20 days. The law requires slurs on the monarchy to be removed within 20 days.
She still faces further charges - at a date to be set - of breaching Article 112 of the Criminal Code which outlaws insults to the royal family and allows for a maximum 15-year sentence for every conviction.
Hers is one of several high-profile cases that have stirred fierce debate in Thailand, where authorities are accused of trampling on free speech by exploiting the strict "lese majeste" law against defaming the royal family.
On Tuesday, a petition signed by almost 27,000 people urging reform was submitted to parliament in the first mass action of its kind.
Agence France-Presse, 30 May 201
The Criminal Court on Wednesday convicted an
online editor for hosting posts critical of the revered monarchy on her
website, but suspended her jail sentence.
But Judge Kampol Rungrat, while sentencing Chiranuch to eight months in jail, suspended the sentence for a year, saying that she had cooperated with the court and had "never violated the law herself''.
"The defendant cannot deny responsibility for taking care of content on her website," he said, adding she was initially given a one-year jail term but that this was cut to eight months for her "useful" testimony to the court.
According to the verdict, there were nine comments critical of the monarchy on Chiranuch's website.
Eight of the comments were deleted promptly, inside 20 days, but one of them remained on the website for 20 days. The law requires slurs on the monarchy to be removed within 20 days.
She still faces further charges - at a date to be set - of breaching Article 112 of the Criminal Code which outlaws insults to the royal family and allows for a maximum 15-year sentence for every conviction.
Hers is one of several high-profile cases that have stirred fierce debate in Thailand, where authorities are accused of trampling on free speech by exploiting the strict "lese majeste" law against defaming the royal family.
On Tuesday, a petition signed by almost 27,000 people urging reform was submitted to parliament in the first mass action of its kind.
Disorder at reconciliation meeting | Bangkok Post: news
Disorder at reconciliation meeting | Bangkok Post: news
Bangkok Post, 30 May 2012
Many Democrat MPs encircled Mr Somsak, loudly expressing their dissatisfaction and demanding that he leave the seat.
The Democrats demanded the House speaker to stop the vote and carry on with the debate.
A number of Pheu Thai MPs rushed to intervene.
Police officers at the meeting moved to protect Mr Somsak, who later called for a temporary adjournment of the meeting.
A video clip, uploaded to YouTube by tpdnet, shows lawmakers surrounding House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont on May 30, 2012.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNrMkHZ9RVo&feature=player_embedded
Bangkok Post, 30 May 2012
The atmosphere at the parliament on Wednesday
evening was more than lively as angry government and opposition MPs
rushed to surround the seat of House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont after
he asked lawmakers to vote on moving discussion of the four proposed
reconciliation bills up the agenda list for urgent deliberation.
Many Democrat MPs encircled Mr Somsak, loudly expressing their dissatisfaction and demanding that he leave the seat.
The Democrats demanded the House speaker to stop the vote and carry on with the debate.
A number of Pheu Thai MPs rushed to intervene.
Police officers at the meeting moved to protect Mr Somsak, who later called for a temporary adjournment of the meeting.
A video clip, uploaded to YouTube by tpdnet, shows lawmakers surrounding House Speaker Somsak Kiatsuranont on May 30, 2012.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RNrMkHZ9RVo&feature=player_embedded
Tuesday, May 29, 2012
Thailand: Article 112 amendment submitted to House | Bangkok Post
Thailand: Article 112 amendment submitted to House | Bangkok Post
Achara Ashayagachat, Bangkok Post, May 29, 2012
The procession of 112 supporters of the citizens' bill proposed by
the Campaign Committee for the Amendment of Article 112 began their
symbolic march at the June 24, 1932, marker which was embedded on the
street at the Royal Plaza when the Khana Ratsadorn Party (People's
Party) revolutionaries under Phraya Phaholpholphayuhasena changed the
country from an absolute monarchy to a constitutional monarchy 80 years
ago.
Prominent but now retired history professor Charnvit Kasetsiri said the move to amend Article 112 is a follow-up from the change the Khana Ratsadorn leaders initiated when they started the democratisation of what was then Siam.
Dozens of motorcyclists led the marchers and a convoy of organisers
carrying 29,968 signatures gathered nationwide to support the bill under
Article 163 of the constitution, which provides that 10,000 signatories
can propose a bill to parliament for consideration.
Six signatories introduce the draft bill -- 70-year-old Charnvit, Chiang Mai-based retired history professor Nidhi Eiwsriwong, Thammasat University associate law professor Jantajira Iammayura, Chulalongkorn University assistant professor of political science Puangthong Pawakapan, Thammasat Unviersity associate law professor Worachet Pakeerut, and poet and writer Rawee Siri-Issaranant aka Wad Rawee.
Deputy House Speaker Wisut Chainarun, together with Surin MP Prasit Chaisrisa, Khon Kaen MP Cherdchai Tontisirin and Bangkok MP Jarupan Kuladiloke, received the bill.
Mr Charnvit said the CCAA 112 would like the parliament to thoroughly consider the people's bill within the constitutional and legal framework.
Mrs Puangthong said the use of the lese majeste law in its current form had led to violations of basic human rights and freedom of expression. Its tragic effects included the dead of the 61-year-old man, known as Ah Kong, who died in prison early this month after being convicted and jailed for lese majeste.
She briefed the parliamentarians on the key aspects of the bill, including taking Article 112 out of the security chapter of the Criminal Code and adding a new chapter on defamation of Their Majesties, the heir and the regent; and separating the special protection for His Majesty the King from other provisions; changing the penalty to a ceiling sentence of not less than three years and separating general defamation from defamation by advertisement; adding exception of crime in the case of decent and innocent criticism; adding exception of crime if the contents were proved valid and the truth benefits the public interest; and abolishing the right of every citizen to bring a lese majeste lawsuit and giving this right only to the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary.
Mr Wisut said the parliament had no bias against a people's bill. It had accepted other people's bills before.
However, “it might take more than a couple of months as there are more signatures than required and the authorities need to verify all of them", Mr Wisut said.
Mr Charnvit told reporters after submitting the bill and the signatures that he was not worried about signature validation, in fact there about 40,000 people had signed during the 112-day campaign for the amendment. Because the procedure was so cumbersome not all the people could provide all necessary documents such as copies of house registration books.
"What I’m concerned about is that MPs and senators, and the government itself, might be reluctant to support the people's bill for fear of a political backlash.
"But this is the right time for parliamentarians and leaders of this country to show their ethical and moral courage to undertake the inevitable reform of the monarchic institution," said Mr Charnvit.
He said that Thailand was facing another crucial juncture of democracy, whether the country could adapt in a time of globalising forces would be a key issue.
"Amending the lese majeste law would help maintain the institution of the monarchy in a sustainable manner, as other European countries have done, especially the British system which was the model for the majority of Thai laws," the historian said.
Achara Ashayagachat, Bangkok Post, May 29, 2012
Supporters of a draft amendment to Article 112
of the Criminal Code, the lese majeste law, marched to the parliament on
Tuesday morning to formally lodge their proposed bill for deliberation
by the House.
Prominent but now retired history professor Charnvit Kasetsiri said the move to amend Article 112 is a follow-up from the change the Khana Ratsadorn leaders initiated when they started the democratisation of what was then Siam.
Six signatories introduce the draft bill -- 70-year-old Charnvit, Chiang Mai-based retired history professor Nidhi Eiwsriwong, Thammasat University associate law professor Jantajira Iammayura, Chulalongkorn University assistant professor of political science Puangthong Pawakapan, Thammasat Unviersity associate law professor Worachet Pakeerut, and poet and writer Rawee Siri-Issaranant aka Wad Rawee.
Deputy House Speaker Wisut Chainarun, together with Surin MP Prasit Chaisrisa, Khon Kaen MP Cherdchai Tontisirin and Bangkok MP Jarupan Kuladiloke, received the bill.
Mr Charnvit said the CCAA 112 would like the parliament to thoroughly consider the people's bill within the constitutional and legal framework.
Mrs Puangthong said the use of the lese majeste law in its current form had led to violations of basic human rights and freedom of expression. Its tragic effects included the dead of the 61-year-old man, known as Ah Kong, who died in prison early this month after being convicted and jailed for lese majeste.
She briefed the parliamentarians on the key aspects of the bill, including taking Article 112 out of the security chapter of the Criminal Code and adding a new chapter on defamation of Their Majesties, the heir and the regent; and separating the special protection for His Majesty the King from other provisions; changing the penalty to a ceiling sentence of not less than three years and separating general defamation from defamation by advertisement; adding exception of crime in the case of decent and innocent criticism; adding exception of crime if the contents were proved valid and the truth benefits the public interest; and abolishing the right of every citizen to bring a lese majeste lawsuit and giving this right only to the Office of His Majesty's Principal Private Secretary.
Mr Wisut said the parliament had no bias against a people's bill. It had accepted other people's bills before.
However, “it might take more than a couple of months as there are more signatures than required and the authorities need to verify all of them", Mr Wisut said.
Mr Charnvit told reporters after submitting the bill and the signatures that he was not worried about signature validation, in fact there about 40,000 people had signed during the 112-day campaign for the amendment. Because the procedure was so cumbersome not all the people could provide all necessary documents such as copies of house registration books.
"What I’m concerned about is that MPs and senators, and the government itself, might be reluctant to support the people's bill for fear of a political backlash.
"But this is the right time for parliamentarians and leaders of this country to show their ethical and moral courage to undertake the inevitable reform of the monarchic institution," said Mr Charnvit.
He said that Thailand was facing another crucial juncture of democracy, whether the country could adapt in a time of globalising forces would be a key issue.
"Amending the lese majeste law would help maintain the institution of the monarchy in a sustainable manner, as other European countries have done, especially the British system which was the model for the majority of Thai laws," the historian said.
China gives Cambodia 19 millions military aid before meet
China gives Cambodia 19 millions military aid before meet
Vong Sokheng, 29 May 2012
China granted Cambodia about $19 million in defence aid yesterday as part of a military agreement signed between the two countries.
The pledged funds came less than 24 hours before Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie is scheduled to speak at the ASEAN Defence Ministers meeting, ostensibly to explain the country’s stance on the disputed South China Sea.
ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, along with China and Taiwan, claim portions of the resource-rich body of water, and it has been a flashpoint of conflict for years.
In recent weeks, the temperature has heated back up, with China and the Philippines sending boats to a disputed reef that both countries claim.
“It is good that is he is going to explain China’s stance directly to ASEAN defence ministers,” Cambodian Minister of Defence Tea Banh said in explaining Cambodia’s decision to invite China’s top-ranking defence official to speak.
Calls to the embassies of Vietnam, the Philippines and China seeking further clarification about today’s meeting were not returned yesterday.
Last week, representatives from ASEAN countries polished a draft of a Code of Conduct governing relations in the South China Sea.
The final version is due to arrive in China over the summer.
The military agreement was signed after a closed-door bilateral discussion between Tea Banh and China’s Guanglie.
Guanglie came to Cambodia on Sunday for a four-day official visit. He is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Tea Banh said that China will continue to support members of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces who train in the country.
“Chinese assistance is greatly contributing to building Cambodian army’s capacity in national defence, and the military co-operation between China and Cambodia has really improved,” Tea Banh said.
He also reaffirmed Cambodia’s stance to support the “One-China” policy, in which China claims sovereignty over Taiwan.
Vong Sokheng, 29 May 2012
China granted Cambodia about $19 million in defence aid yesterday as part of a military agreement signed between the two countries.
The pledged funds came less than 24 hours before Chinese Defence Minister Liang Guanglie is scheduled to speak at the ASEAN Defence Ministers meeting, ostensibly to explain the country’s stance on the disputed South China Sea.
ASEAN members the Philippines, Vietnam, Malaysia and Brunei, along with China and Taiwan, claim portions of the resource-rich body of water, and it has been a flashpoint of conflict for years.
In recent weeks, the temperature has heated back up, with China and the Philippines sending boats to a disputed reef that both countries claim.
“It is good that is he is going to explain China’s stance directly to ASEAN defence ministers,” Cambodian Minister of Defence Tea Banh said in explaining Cambodia’s decision to invite China’s top-ranking defence official to speak.
Calls to the embassies of Vietnam, the Philippines and China seeking further clarification about today’s meeting were not returned yesterday.
Last week, representatives from ASEAN countries polished a draft of a Code of Conduct governing relations in the South China Sea.
The final version is due to arrive in China over the summer.
The military agreement was signed after a closed-door bilateral discussion between Tea Banh and China’s Guanglie.
Guanglie came to Cambodia on Sunday for a four-day official visit. He is also scheduled to meet with Prime Minister Hun Sen.
Tea Banh said that China will continue to support members of the Royal Cambodian Armed Forces who train in the country.
“Chinese assistance is greatly contributing to building Cambodian army’s capacity in national defence, and the military co-operation between China and Cambodia has really improved,” Tea Banh said.
He also reaffirmed Cambodia’s stance to support the “One-China” policy, in which China claims sovereignty over Taiwan.
Philippine senate votes 20-3 to convict chief justice Corona | Philippine Inquirer
Senate votes 20-3 to convict Corona
Maila Ager, INQUIRER.net, May 29th, 2012
MANILA, Philippines – Twenty senators, including Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile, on Tuesday found Chief Justice Renato Corona guilty of Article 2 of the impeachment complaint filed against him pertaining to his failure to disclose to the public is statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth.
Only three voted to acquit Corona and they were Senators Joker Arroyo, Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos Jr.
“The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, having tried Renato Corona, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, upon three Articles of impeachment charged against him by the House of Representatives, by a guilty vote of 20 senators representing at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate, has found him guilty of the charge under Article II of the said articles of impeachment,” said Enrile after he cast his ‘guilty’ vote for Corona.
“Now, therefore…Renato Corona is hereby convicted of the charge against him in Article II of the articles of impeachment, So ordered,” he added.
Enrile, who presides over the trial, then directed the Senate Secretary acting as clerk of court to provide a certified copy of the judgment to the respondent and his counsels, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court and to President Benigno Aquino III.
Aside from Enrile, the 19 senators who rendered a ‘guilty’ verdict for Corona were the following:
Senator Edgardo Angara
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano
Senator Pia Cayetano
Senator Franklin Drilon
Senate Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero
Senator Teofisto Guingona III
Senator Gregorio Honasan II
Senator Panfilo Lacson
Senator Manuel Lapid
Senator Loren Legarda
Senator Sergio Osmeña III
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan
Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
Senator Ralph Recto
Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV
Senate Manuel Villar
Enrile being the presiding officer was the last to cast his vote on the case.
“As one who has been through many personal upheavals through all of my 88 years, I, too, have been judged, often unfairly and harshly. But I have constantly held that those who face the judgment of imperfect and fallible mortals like us have recourse to the judgment of history, and, ultimately, of God,” said the Senate leader.
“And so, with full trust that the Almighty will see us through the aftermath of this chapter in our nation’s history, I vote to hold the Chief Justice, Renato C. Corona, guilty as charged under Article II, Par. 2.3, and that his deliberate act of excluding substantial assets from his sworn Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth constitutes a culpable violation of the Constitution,” he said.
It was Revilla’s vote, who cast the 16th “guilty” verdict, that sealed the fate of Corona because under the rules, at least two-thirds of the total members of the Senate or 16 of the 23 incumbent senators are needed to convict him.
Revilla’s vote came as a surprise considering that he is a known ally of former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
It was Arroyo who appointed Corona as Chief Justice before the former stepped down from office in 2010.
“I prayed hard for Divine Providence and guidance int his one great decision of my life,” Revilla said.
“Napakahirap man, alang-alang sa pagkakaisa at paghihilom ng ating bayan; alang alang sa pagpappatibay ng mga institusyon ng ating pamahalaan, alang alang sa mga darating pang henarasyon at ng ating kinabukasan, I find Chief Justice Renato Corona guilty,” the senator added.
(Though very difficult, for the sake of unity and healing our nation; for the sake of strengthening the institutions of the government; for the sake of the next generation and our future, I find Chief Justice Renato Corona guilty.)
One notable vote came from another Arroyo ally, Lapid, who also cast a guilty vote for Corona.
“Para sakin po, malinaw na malinaw na si Chief Justice Corona ay lumabag sa batas. Siya mismo inamin niya na may $2.4 million at P80 million na bank account. Yun po siguro hindi na kasinungalin yun, yun po ay totoo na,” Lapid said.
(To me, clearly Chief Justice Corona violated the law. He himself admitted he has $2.4 million at P80-million bank account. That’s perhaps no longer a lie, that’s the truth.)
At first, Lapid said his heart went to Corona, when the latter .testified before his own trial.
“I’m very sorry for him. I thought he was telling the truth. He did not,” he said.
In the end, Lapid had these words for Corona: “Pasensiya na po. Pasensiya na po. Pasensya na po. Ang hatol ko sa inyo, guilty.”
(My apologies. My apologies. My apologies. My verdict is guilty.)
Maila Ager, INQUIRER.net, May 29th, 2012
MANILA, Philippines – Twenty senators, including Senate President Juan Ponce-Enrile, on Tuesday found Chief Justice Renato Corona guilty of Article 2 of the impeachment complaint filed against him pertaining to his failure to disclose to the public is statement of assets, liabilities, and net worth.
Only three voted to acquit Corona and they were Senators Joker Arroyo, Miriam Defensor-Santiago and Ferdinand “Bong-Bong” Marcos Jr.
“The Senate, sitting as an impeachment court, having tried Renato Corona, Chief Justice of the Supreme Court, upon three Articles of impeachment charged against him by the House of Representatives, by a guilty vote of 20 senators representing at least two-thirds of all the members of the Senate, has found him guilty of the charge under Article II of the said articles of impeachment,” said Enrile after he cast his ‘guilty’ vote for Corona.
“Now, therefore…Renato Corona is hereby convicted of the charge against him in Article II of the articles of impeachment, So ordered,” he added.
Enrile, who presides over the trial, then directed the Senate Secretary acting as clerk of court to provide a certified copy of the judgment to the respondent and his counsels, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the Supreme Court and to President Benigno Aquino III.
Aside from Enrile, the 19 senators who rendered a ‘guilty’ verdict for Corona were the following:
Senator Edgardo Angara
Senator Alan Peter Cayetano
Senator Pia Cayetano
Senator Franklin Drilon
Senate Pro Tempore Jose “Jinggoy” Estrada
Senator Francis “Chiz” Escudero
Senator Teofisto Guingona III
Senator Gregorio Honasan II
Senator Panfilo Lacson
Senator Manuel Lapid
Senator Loren Legarda
Senator Sergio Osmeña III
Senator Francis “Kiko” Pangilinan
Senator Aquilino “Koko” Pimentel III
Senator Ralph Recto
Senator Ramon “Bong” Revilla Jr.
Senate Majority Leader Vicente “Tito” Sotto III
Senator Antonio Trillanes IV
Senate Manuel Villar
Enrile being the presiding officer was the last to cast his vote on the case.
“As one who has been through many personal upheavals through all of my 88 years, I, too, have been judged, often unfairly and harshly. But I have constantly held that those who face the judgment of imperfect and fallible mortals like us have recourse to the judgment of history, and, ultimately, of God,” said the Senate leader.
“And so, with full trust that the Almighty will see us through the aftermath of this chapter in our nation’s history, I vote to hold the Chief Justice, Renato C. Corona, guilty as charged under Article II, Par. 2.3, and that his deliberate act of excluding substantial assets from his sworn Statement of Assets, Liabilities and Net Worth constitutes a culpable violation of the Constitution,” he said.
It was Revilla’s vote, who cast the 16th “guilty” verdict, that sealed the fate of Corona because under the rules, at least two-thirds of the total members of the Senate or 16 of the 23 incumbent senators are needed to convict him.
Revilla’s vote came as a surprise considering that he is a known ally of former President and now Pampanga Representative Gloria Macapagal-Arroyo.
It was Arroyo who appointed Corona as Chief Justice before the former stepped down from office in 2010.
“I prayed hard for Divine Providence and guidance int his one great decision of my life,” Revilla said.
“Napakahirap man, alang-alang sa pagkakaisa at paghihilom ng ating bayan; alang alang sa pagpappatibay ng mga institusyon ng ating pamahalaan, alang alang sa mga darating pang henarasyon at ng ating kinabukasan, I find Chief Justice Renato Corona guilty,” the senator added.
(Though very difficult, for the sake of unity and healing our nation; for the sake of strengthening the institutions of the government; for the sake of the next generation and our future, I find Chief Justice Renato Corona guilty.)
One notable vote came from another Arroyo ally, Lapid, who also cast a guilty vote for Corona.
“Para sakin po, malinaw na malinaw na si Chief Justice Corona ay lumabag sa batas. Siya mismo inamin niya na may $2.4 million at P80 million na bank account. Yun po siguro hindi na kasinungalin yun, yun po ay totoo na,” Lapid said.
(To me, clearly Chief Justice Corona violated the law. He himself admitted he has $2.4 million at P80-million bank account. That’s perhaps no longer a lie, that’s the truth.)
At first, Lapid said his heart went to Corona, when the latter .testified before his own trial.
“I’m very sorry for him. I thought he was telling the truth. He did not,” he said.
In the end, Lapid had these words for Corona: “Pasensiya na po. Pasensiya na po. Pasensya na po. Ang hatol ko sa inyo, guilty.”
(My apologies. My apologies. My apologies. My verdict is guilty.)
Monday, May 28, 2012
Thai activist Surachai jailed on fifth lese majeste charge | Bangkok Post
Thai activist Surachai jailed on fifth lese majeste charge | Bangkok Post
Achara Ashayagachat, Bangkok Post, May 28, 2012
Achara Ashayagachat, Bangkok Post, May 28, 2012
The Criminal Court on Monday formally convicted
and sentenced Red Siam core member Surachai "Sae Dan" Danwattananusorn
on a further charge of lese majeste, adding two-and-a-half years to his
current prison term.
Surachai
had changed his not guilty plea and confessed that he offended the
monarchy in a speech on Dec 15, 2008, shortly after midnight, at Sanam
Luang.
He was sentenced to five years with the term reduced by half because he confessed.
It is his
fifth lese majeste conviction. He pleaded guilty in the previous four
cases, but earlier denied the fifth. The sentences are cumulative and he
faces total imprisonment of 12.6 years.
His lawyer Karom Polpornklang said his client is in poor health.
He had
already submitted documents for the final stage of the request for a
royal pardon on the other four convictions. He would add the details of
the fifth conviction to the case for royal clemency.
Surachai
had a heart x-ray at the Police General Hospital a week after he was
admitted to the Prison Hospital for treatment for prostate cancer.
The
result of the heart x-ray, which would be known on June 15, was
necessary before the prostate operation could go ahead because he'd had
heart surgery before.
Surachai
said red-shirt prisoners, including those charged under Article 112 of
the Criminal Code, the lese majeste law, would be assisted by Deputy
Prime Minister Yongyuth Wichaidit in seeking the royal pardon.
But
whether he proceeded along the normal track, applying himself for a
royal pardon, or the government-assisted track for clemency, he would
still need prostate surgery.
"I would
rather get the operation outside the prison facility, but they don't
give that permission," Surachai said in a small written note handed to
relatives at the court room on Monday morning.
"Even for surgery in the prison hospital we have to pay nearly 10,000 baht for use of the equipment.
"I don't
know whether they would let me recover outside the prison or not. If
possible, I would prefer to be moved to the temporary prison at Lak Si,
where I could recover better."
He also told the Bangkok Post that the reconciliation bill proposed by former coup maker Sonthi Boonyaratglin would ensnare the government in a deep hole.
"The bill
in itself will divide the people, not to mention that if the bill does
not include the Article 112 victims, some of the red-shirt members will
eventually walk different paths from the Pheu Thai Party.
"The government is working under an illusion at the moment," Surachai said.
Indian PM visits Burma amid energy quest | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
Indian PM visits Burma amid energy quest | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
AP News, May 28, 2012
AP News, May 28, 2012
NEW DELHI (AP) — Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh departed Sunday on a three-day visit to Burma/Myanmar that underscores India’s quest for energy supplies and concerns about China’s strong influence in the Southeast Asian country.
Singh said he hoped to focus on stronger trade and investment links, development of border areas and improving connectivity between India and Burma/Myanmar.
India remains “committed to a close, cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership with the government and people of Myanmar,” Singh said in a statement before leaving for Yangon, Burma/Myanmar’s biggest city.
The visit highlights India’s search for energy supplies to fuel its economic boom and concerns about China’s influence in Burma/Myanmar, where the elected — but military-backed — government is opening up its economy for investment and trade.
In recent years, India has nervously watched Beijing’s domination of Burma/Myanmar’s oil and gas exploration projects. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese workers are in Burma/Myanmar working on infrastructure and other projects.
Indian officials, however, are loath to acknowledge that India’s Myanmar policy is being driven by China’s inroads there.
India wants to “secure a stronger and mutually beneficial relationship with a neighboring country that is integral to India’s Look East policy,” Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai told reporters Friday.
India has adopted a “Look East” policy of engaging with southeast and east Asia, reaching out and deepening bilateral ties with Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia among others in the region.
Singh’s visit will be the first in 25 years by an Indian prime minister, although the two countries share a 1,600-kilometer (1,000-mile) land border, as well as a maritime border in the Bay of Bengal.
Myanmar, which was once known as Burma, had been an international pariah for decades under a military junta that quashed any hopes of democratic reform. A 2010 election, though, has lead to at least some reforms and a gradual opening up to the rest of the world.
The competition between India and China in Burma/Myanmar is expected to surface again when Burma/Myanmar begins auctioning new natural gas blocks, both offshore and onshore, in which Indian companies are expected to participate actively.
“It would be in Myanmar’s interest to not put all its eggs in one basket,” says Rajiv Bhatia, a former Indian ambassador to Myanmar, referring to China’s overwhelming presence in Myanmar’s oil and gas exploration sector.
Mathai said that during Singh’s visit, the two countries are slated to start a bus link between Imphal, capital of India’s Manipur state, and Mandalay, Burma/Myanmar’s second-largest city.
India also will announce the creation of an IT training institute, an agricultural research center and a rice research park in Burma/Myanmar, Mathai said.
Over decades of isolation by the West, China reached out to Burma/Myanmar, building billions of dollars in roads and gas pipelines in the impoverished country.
New Delhi too has offered Burma/Myanmar aid and assistance, but not on the same scale as China.
In recent years, India has offered around $800 million in credit to Burma/Myanmar to help develop infrastructure such as railways, roads and waterways. New Delhi also is helping build a port in the coastal Burma/Myanmar city of Sittwe. That port, Indian officials hope, will act as a trade gateway between India’s northeastern states and Southeast Asia.
Bilateral trade between India and Burma/Myanmar was around $1.2 billion in 2011. Both sides hope to push trade to $3 billion by 2015.
Singh’s trip follows high level visits to India by Burma/Myanmar’s reformist President Thein Sein in October and visits by the foreign ministers of the two countries.
In the 1980s and early ’90s, India was a strong supporter of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in her fight against the country’s military. Singh will meet with Suu Kyi on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited Burma/Myanmar in 1987, the last visit by an Indian premier. But in the mid-’90s, India changed tack to engage with the country’s military junta, resisting pressures from the Western democracies that had imposed economic sanctions on Myanmar.
New Delhi insisted it had to follow a pragmatic policy, because it needed its neighbor’s help to crack down on Indian rebels who had built hideouts in the jungles along the India-Myanmar border.
India also argued that Burma/Myanmar’s military leaders could be nudged toward democracy only by engaging with them — not by isolating the impoverished nation.
Mathai said India also was opposed to the sanctions because Burma/Myanmar was a neighbor.
“When you are a neighboring country, you do not have the choice of a policy and engagement,” Mathai said. “You remain engaged irrespective of the situation.”
In the past year, Burma/Myanmar’s military leaders have freed thousands of political prisoners, eased limits on the press and launched a series of economic reform measures. The military-backed regime allowed Suu Kyi’s political party to contest elections and ushered in an elected government.
In April, the European Union suspended most of its sanctions to reward Burma/Myanmar’s political reforms, and the United States said this month that it would suspend a ban on American investment in the country.
Singh said he hoped to focus on stronger trade and investment links, development of border areas and improving connectivity between India and Burma/Myanmar.
India remains “committed to a close, cooperative and mutually beneficial partnership with the government and people of Myanmar,” Singh said in a statement before leaving for Yangon, Burma/Myanmar’s biggest city.
In recent years, India has nervously watched Beijing’s domination of Burma/Myanmar’s oil and gas exploration projects. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese workers are in Burma/Myanmar working on infrastructure and other projects.
Indian officials, however, are loath to acknowledge that India’s Myanmar policy is being driven by China’s inroads there.
India wants to “secure a stronger and mutually beneficial relationship with a neighboring country that is integral to India’s Look East policy,” Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai told reporters Friday.
India has adopted a “Look East” policy of engaging with southeast and east Asia, reaching out and deepening bilateral ties with Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia among others in the region.
Singh’s visit will be the first in 25 years by an Indian prime minister, although the two countries share a 1,600-kilometer (1,000-mile) land border, as well as a maritime border in the Bay of Bengal.
Myanmar, which was once known as Burma, had been an international pariah for decades under a military junta that quashed any hopes of democratic reform. A 2010 election, though, has lead to at least some reforms and a gradual opening up to the rest of the world.
The competition between India and China in Burma/Myanmar is expected to surface again when Burma/Myanmar begins auctioning new natural gas blocks, both offshore and onshore, in which Indian companies are expected to participate actively.
“It would be in Myanmar’s interest to not put all its eggs in one basket,” says Rajiv Bhatia, a former Indian ambassador to Myanmar, referring to China’s overwhelming presence in Myanmar’s oil and gas exploration sector.
Mathai said that during Singh’s visit, the two countries are slated to start a bus link between Imphal, capital of India’s Manipur state, and Mandalay, Burma/Myanmar’s second-largest city.
India also will announce the creation of an IT training institute, an agricultural research center and a rice research park in Burma/Myanmar, Mathai said.
Over decades of isolation by the West, China reached out to Burma/Myanmar, building billions of dollars in roads and gas pipelines in the impoverished country.
New Delhi too has offered Burma/Myanmar aid and assistance, but not on the same scale as China.
In recent years, India has offered around $800 million in credit to Burma/Myanmar to help develop infrastructure such as railways, roads and waterways. New Delhi also is helping build a port in the coastal Burma/Myanmar city of Sittwe. That port, Indian officials hope, will act as a trade gateway between India’s northeastern states and Southeast Asia.
Bilateral trade between India and Burma/Myanmar was around $1.2 billion in 2011. Both sides hope to push trade to $3 billion by 2015.
Singh’s trip follows high level visits to India by Burma/Myanmar’s reformist President Thein Sein in October and visits by the foreign ministers of the two countries.
In the 1980s and early ’90s, India was a strong supporter of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in her fight against the country’s military. Singh will meet with Suu Kyi on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited Burma/Myanmar in 1987, the last visit by an Indian premier. But in the mid-’90s, India changed tack to engage with the country’s military junta, resisting pressures from the Western democracies that had imposed economic sanctions on Myanmar.
New Delhi insisted it had to follow a pragmatic policy, because it needed its neighbor’s help to crack down on Indian rebels who had built hideouts in the jungles along the India-Myanmar border.
India also argued that Burma/Myanmar’s military leaders could be nudged toward democracy only by engaging with them — not by isolating the impoverished nation.
Mathai said India also was opposed to the sanctions because Burma/Myanmar was a neighbor.
“When you are a neighboring country, you do not have the choice of a policy and engagement,” Mathai said. “You remain engaged irrespective of the situation.”
In the past year, Burma/Myanmar’s military leaders have freed thousands of political prisoners, eased limits on the press and launched a series of economic reform measures. The military-backed regime allowed Suu Kyi’s political party to contest elections and ushered in an elected government.
In April, the European Union suspended most of its sanctions to reward Burma/Myanmar’s political reforms, and the United States said this month that it would suspend a ban on American investment in the country.
Sunday, May 27, 2012
Indian PM visiting Myanmar amid energy quest | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
Indian PM visiting Myanmar amid energy quest | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
AP News, May 27, 2012
NEW DELHI (AP) — The visit of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Burma on Sunday is the latest sign that India now believes it needs to assert its presence in its eastern neighbor.
The visit underscores India’s quest for energy supplies to fuel its economic boom and concerns about China’s strong influence in Burma, where the elected — but military-backed — government is opening up its economy for investment and trade.
In recent years, India has nervously watched Beijing’s domination of Burma’s oil and gas exploration projects. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese workers are in Burma working on infrastructure and other projects.
Indian officials, however, are loath to admit that India’s Burma policy is being driven by China’s inroads there.
India wants to “secure a stronger and mutually beneficial relationship with a neighboring country that is integral to India’s Look East policy,” Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai told journalists Friday.
India has adopted a “Look East” policy of engaging with southeast and east Asia, reaching out and deepening bilateral ties with Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia among others in the region.
Singh’s visit will be the first in 25 years by an Indian prime minister, although the two countries share a 1,600-kilometer (1,000-mile) land border, as well as a maritime border in the Bay of Bengal.
Burma, which is also known as Myanmar, had been an international pariah for decades under a military junta that quashed any hopes of democratic reform. A 2010 election, though, has lead to at least some reforms and a gradual opening up to the rest of the world.
The competition between India and China in Burma is expected to surface again when Burma begins auctioning new natural gas blocks, both offshore and onshore, in which Indian companies are expected to participate actively.
“It would be in Burma’s interest to not put all its eggs in one basket,” says Rajiv Bhatia, a former Indian ambassador to Myanmar, referring to China’s overwhelming presence in Burma’s oil and gas exploration sector.
Mathai said that during Singh’s visit, the two countries are slated to start a bus link between Imphal, capital of India’s Manipur state, and Mandalay, Burma’s second largest city.
India also will announce the creation of an IT training institute, an agricultural research center and a rice research park in Burma, Mathai said.
Over decades of isolation by the West, China reached out to Burma, building billions of dollars in roads and gas pipelines in the impoverished country.
New Delhi too has offered Burma aid and assistance, but not on the same scale as China.
In recent years, India has offered around $800 million in credit to Burma to help develop infrastructure such as railways, roads and waterways. New Delhi also is helping build a port in the coastal Burma city of Sittwe. That port, Indian officials hope, will act as a trade gateway between India’s northeastern states and southeast Asia.
Bilateral trade between India and Burma was around $1.2 billion in 2011. Both sides hope to push trade to $3 billion by 2015.
Singh’s trip follows high level visits to India by Burma’s reformist President Thein Sein in October and visits by the foreign ministers of the two countries.
In the 1980s and early 90s, India was a strong supporter of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in her fight against the country’s military. Singh will meet with Suu Kyi on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited Burma in 1987, the last visit by an Indian premier. But in the mid-90s, India changed tack to engage with the country’s military junta, resisting pressures from the Western democracies that had imposed economic sanctions on Burma.
New Delhi insisted it had to follow a pragmatic policy, because it needed its neighbor’s help to crack down on Indian rebels who had built hideouts in the jungles along the India-Burma border.
India also argued that Burma’s military leaders could be nudged toward democracy only by engaging with them — not by isolating the impoverished nation.
Mathai said India also was opposed to the sanctions because Burma was a neighbor.
“When you are a neighboring country, you do not have the choice of a policy and engagement,” Mathai said. “You remain engaged irrespective of the situation.”
In the past year, Burma’s military leaders have freed thousands of political prisoners, eased limits on the press and launched a series of economic reform measures. The military-backed regime allowed Suu Kyi’s political party to contest elections and ushered in an elected government.
In April, the European Union suspended most of its sanctions to reward Burma’s political reforms. Last week, the United States said it would suspend a ban on American investment in the country.
AP News, May 27, 2012
NEW DELHI (AP) — The visit of Indian Prime Minister Manmohan Singh to Burma on Sunday is the latest sign that India now believes it needs to assert its presence in its eastern neighbor.
The visit underscores India’s quest for energy supplies to fuel its economic boom and concerns about China’s strong influence in Burma, where the elected — but military-backed — government is opening up its economy for investment and trade.
In recent years, India has nervously watched Beijing’s domination of Burma’s oil and gas exploration projects. Hundreds of thousands of Chinese workers are in Burma working on infrastructure and other projects.
Indian officials, however, are loath to admit that India’s Burma policy is being driven by China’s inroads there.
India wants to “secure a stronger and mutually beneficial relationship with a neighboring country that is integral to India’s Look East policy,” Foreign Secretary Ranjan Mathai told journalists Friday.
India has adopted a “Look East” policy of engaging with southeast and east Asia, reaching out and deepening bilateral ties with Japan, South Korea, Vietnam and Indonesia among others in the region.
Singh’s visit will be the first in 25 years by an Indian prime minister, although the two countries share a 1,600-kilometer (1,000-mile) land border, as well as a maritime border in the Bay of Bengal.
Burma, which is also known as Myanmar, had been an international pariah for decades under a military junta that quashed any hopes of democratic reform. A 2010 election, though, has lead to at least some reforms and a gradual opening up to the rest of the world.
The competition between India and China in Burma is expected to surface again when Burma begins auctioning new natural gas blocks, both offshore and onshore, in which Indian companies are expected to participate actively.
“It would be in Burma’s interest to not put all its eggs in one basket,” says Rajiv Bhatia, a former Indian ambassador to Myanmar, referring to China’s overwhelming presence in Burma’s oil and gas exploration sector.
Mathai said that during Singh’s visit, the two countries are slated to start a bus link between Imphal, capital of India’s Manipur state, and Mandalay, Burma’s second largest city.
India also will announce the creation of an IT training institute, an agricultural research center and a rice research park in Burma, Mathai said.
Over decades of isolation by the West, China reached out to Burma, building billions of dollars in roads and gas pipelines in the impoverished country.
New Delhi too has offered Burma aid and assistance, but not on the same scale as China.
In recent years, India has offered around $800 million in credit to Burma to help develop infrastructure such as railways, roads and waterways. New Delhi also is helping build a port in the coastal Burma city of Sittwe. That port, Indian officials hope, will act as a trade gateway between India’s northeastern states and southeast Asia.
Bilateral trade between India and Burma was around $1.2 billion in 2011. Both sides hope to push trade to $3 billion by 2015.
Singh’s trip follows high level visits to India by Burma’s reformist President Thein Sein in October and visits by the foreign ministers of the two countries.
In the 1980s and early 90s, India was a strong supporter of pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi in her fight against the country’s military. Singh will meet with Suu Kyi on Tuesday.
Prime Minister Rajiv Gandhi visited Burma in 1987, the last visit by an Indian premier. But in the mid-90s, India changed tack to engage with the country’s military junta, resisting pressures from the Western democracies that had imposed economic sanctions on Burma.
New Delhi insisted it had to follow a pragmatic policy, because it needed its neighbor’s help to crack down on Indian rebels who had built hideouts in the jungles along the India-Burma border.
India also argued that Burma’s military leaders could be nudged toward democracy only by engaging with them — not by isolating the impoverished nation.
Mathai said India also was opposed to the sanctions because Burma was a neighbor.
“When you are a neighboring country, you do not have the choice of a policy and engagement,” Mathai said. “You remain engaged irrespective of the situation.”
In the past year, Burma’s military leaders have freed thousands of political prisoners, eased limits on the press and launched a series of economic reform measures. The military-backed regime allowed Suu Kyi’s political party to contest elections and ushered in an elected government.
In April, the European Union suspended most of its sanctions to reward Burma’s political reforms. Last week, the United States said it would suspend a ban on American investment in the country.
Thailand: House to get Article 112 change Tues | Bangkok Post
Thailand: House to get Article 112 change Tues | Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post, May 27, 2012
Rawee Siri-issaranant, alias Wad Rawee of the Saeng Samnuek Writers
group, and Yukti Mukdawijitra of the Faculty of Sociology and
Anthropology at Thammasat University, said after a committee meeting
that the amendment draft, signed by 27,296 people, would be submitted to
the House of Repesentatives for further consideration on May 29.
He called for the signatories to gather at the Royal Plaza at 9am on Tuesday before marching to Parliament.
Mr Rawee conceded the draft might not be accepted by the House for consideration.
On the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) plan to rally in front of parliament to protest the reconciliation bill proposed by Matubhum Party leader Sonthi Boonyaratgalin, Mr Rawee said members of the campaign committee agreed with its move because they felt reconciliation could never materialise as long as the wrongdoers in the April-May 2010 political violence are not punished.
However, the group would not join the protest as it held a differing opinion from the PAD over Article 112, he said.
Bangkok Post, May 27, 2012
The Campaign Committee to Amend Article 112
(CCAA 112) will on Tuesday submit to parliament a draft amendment to the
section of the Criminal Code covering the lese majeste law.
He called for the signatories to gather at the Royal Plaza at 9am on Tuesday before marching to Parliament.
Mr Rawee conceded the draft might not be accepted by the House for consideration.
On the People's Alliance for Democracy (PAD) plan to rally in front of parliament to protest the reconciliation bill proposed by Matubhum Party leader Sonthi Boonyaratgalin, Mr Rawee said members of the campaign committee agreed with its move because they felt reconciliation could never materialise as long as the wrongdoers in the April-May 2010 political violence are not punished.
However, the group would not join the protest as it held a differing opinion from the PAD over Article 112, he said.
Saturday, May 26, 2012
Singapore Democratic Party appeals dismissed | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
Singapore Democratic Party appeals dismissed | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
Kirsten Han, May 26, 2012
On 1 May 2008, a group of activists and members of the Singapore Democratic Party (among them SDP Secretary-General Dr. Chee Soon Juan) gathered at Toa Payoh Central. They wore red T-shirts emblazoned with the words “Tak Boleh Tahan” (meaning “we can’t take it” in Malay) and distributed flyers protesting high ministeral salaries, the rising cost of living and the lack of assistance for the poor and needy in Singapore.
A call was made to the police, who sent officers to investigate. They released the following statement:
The High Court Judge Quentin Loh wrote in his judgement that
Activist filmmaker Martyn See says that he was not surprised by the judgement, but that “such verdicts generate fear amongst activists.”
“It also reinforces impression of an authoritarian state, which the government easily deals with by citing Speakers Corner and General Elections as examples that we do practise democracy,” he continued. “One can safely assume that the idea of non-violent open protests and civil disobedience remains, for most Singaporeans, an alien product not suited to ‘our way’ of doing things. It is a mindset honed by 45 years of absolute, uninterrupted control and rule of one party.”
However, citizen journalist Joshua Chiang does not feel that there will be any real impact on activism in Singapore, as civil society members often prefer not to risk breaking the law.
“Not that we agree with it, but most forms of activism here take place within clearly defined confines of the law. For example, using Speakers’ Corner instead of gathering in other spaces. I think most civil groups want their voices to be heard but at the same time not push the legal boundaries,” he says, going on to point out that regardless of what the police had said, the Tak Boleh Tahan activities had broken the law with regard to the Public Order Act, which requires all cause-related activity outside of Speakers’ Corner to have a police permit. On top of that, the activists would have needed a hawker’s license from the National Environmental Agency to sell their T-shirts.
Seelan Palay, one of those charged, has indicated that the group intends to appeal their case to the Court of Appeal – Singapore’s highest court.
Apart from dismissing the appeal of the five, the High Court also quashed the conviction of blogger Yap Keng Ho (often known as “Uncle Yap”). Judge Loh stated that there was a difference between supporting the action and participating in it, highlighting that Yap had not been wearing the Tak Boleh Tahan T-shirt or distributing flyers. Throughout his trial, Yap had also insisted that he had merely been there to cover the event as a blogger.
Kirsten Han, May 26, 2012
On 1 May 2008, a group of activists and members of the Singapore Democratic Party (among them SDP Secretary-General Dr. Chee Soon Juan) gathered at Toa Payoh Central. They wore red T-shirts emblazoned with the words “Tak Boleh Tahan” (meaning “we can’t take it” in Malay) and distributed flyers protesting high ministeral salaries, the rising cost of living and the lack of assistance for the poor and needy in Singapore.
A call was made to the police, who sent officers to investigate. They released the following statement:
Police received a call from the Bishan-Toa Payoh Town Council reporting that Chee Soon Juan was distributing pamphlets, and had set up a table selling books and T-shirts at Toa Payoh Central. Police observation in response to the call confirmed it. Chee did not stage an unlawful assembly or an illegal outdoor demonstration.On 9 August 2008 (Singapore’s National Day), the activists were back at Toa Payoh Central. Once again they were dressed in Tak Boleh Tahan T-shirts and distributing flyers. This time, they were arrested and prosecuted for participating in an illegal assembly. They were convicted by the district court judge and sentenced to either fines ranging from S$900 – S$1000 or six or seven days’ imprisonment in default. Five of the activists appealed the conviction, but had their appeal dismissed by the High Court on 21 May 2012.
The High Court Judge Quentin Loh wrote in his judgement that
A police communique or press statement does not amount to an authoritative statement on whether criminal liability has been made out in a particular instance.The Singapore Democratic Party disagreed with the judgement, writing on their website that it upheld “the PAP Government’s policy of banning public assembly for political purposes.” They had stated in a previous article that the group had only proceeded with the activities of 9 August after the police had said that what happened on 1 May did not constitute an unlawful assembly.
Activist filmmaker Martyn See says that he was not surprised by the judgement, but that “such verdicts generate fear amongst activists.”
“It also reinforces impression of an authoritarian state, which the government easily deals with by citing Speakers Corner and General Elections as examples that we do practise democracy,” he continued. “One can safely assume that the idea of non-violent open protests and civil disobedience remains, for most Singaporeans, an alien product not suited to ‘our way’ of doing things. It is a mindset honed by 45 years of absolute, uninterrupted control and rule of one party.”
However, citizen journalist Joshua Chiang does not feel that there will be any real impact on activism in Singapore, as civil society members often prefer not to risk breaking the law.
“Not that we agree with it, but most forms of activism here take place within clearly defined confines of the law. For example, using Speakers’ Corner instead of gathering in other spaces. I think most civil groups want their voices to be heard but at the same time not push the legal boundaries,” he says, going on to point out that regardless of what the police had said, the Tak Boleh Tahan activities had broken the law with regard to the Public Order Act, which requires all cause-related activity outside of Speakers’ Corner to have a police permit. On top of that, the activists would have needed a hawker’s license from the National Environmental Agency to sell their T-shirts.
Seelan Palay, one of those charged, has indicated that the group intends to appeal their case to the Court of Appeal – Singapore’s highest court.
Apart from dismissing the appeal of the five, the High Court also quashed the conviction of blogger Yap Keng Ho (often known as “Uncle Yap”). Judge Loh stated that there was a difference between supporting the action and participating in it, highlighting that Yap had not been wearing the Tak Boleh Tahan T-shirt or distributing flyers. Throughout his trial, Yap had also insisted that he had merely been there to cover the event as a blogger.
Cambodia land activists’ convictions called unjust | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
Cambodia land activists’ convictions called unjust | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
AP News, May 26, 2012
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Human rights groups in Cambodia expressed outrage Friday over prison sentences imposed on 13 women who were protesting being evicted from their land without adequate compensation.
The women were sentenced Thursday by a Phnom Penh court after being found guilty of aggravated rebellion and illegal occupation of land in a three-hour trial.
Their trial came amid heightened concern in Cambodia about land grabbing, which is sometimes linked to corruption and the use of deadly force to carry out evictions.
This month, a visiting U.N. human rights envoy warned that the issue was a volatile social problem, and a teenage girl was shot dead by security forces carrying out an eviction.
“Sentencing to jail 13 people who have been victimized by land grabbing is a complete injustice,” said Ou Virak, director of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights. “There was no fair trial.”
Those sentenced, who included a 72-year-old woman, had been residents of Phnom Penh’s Boueng Kak lake area, which the government awarded to a Chinese company for commercial development, including a hotel, office buildings and luxury housing.
They were arrested Tuesday when they tried to rebuild their homes on the land where their old houses were demolished by the developers in 2010.
The group has protested several times in the last few years to demand land titles they said had been promised by Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government. They claimed that the city government resettled some families, but did not include them.
Ou Virak said the issue of the rich and powerful grabbing land from the poor — who then are arrested if they resist or complain — was becoming more serious.
Pung Chhic Kek, president of the local human rights group Licadho, said the case against the women was groundless and described the legal proceedings as “a show trial and ridiculous.”
She said that lawyers from her organization were barred from talking with the defendants and introducing witnesses.
AP News, May 26, 2012
PHNOM PENH, Cambodia (AP) — Human rights groups in Cambodia expressed outrage Friday over prison sentences imposed on 13 women who were protesting being evicted from their land without adequate compensation.
The women were sentenced Thursday by a Phnom Penh court after being found guilty of aggravated rebellion and illegal occupation of land in a three-hour trial.
Their trial came amid heightened concern in Cambodia about land grabbing, which is sometimes linked to corruption and the use of deadly force to carry out evictions.
This month, a visiting U.N. human rights envoy warned that the issue was a volatile social problem, and a teenage girl was shot dead by security forces carrying out an eviction.
“Sentencing to jail 13 people who have been victimized by land grabbing is a complete injustice,” said Ou Virak, director of the Cambodian Center for Human Rights. “There was no fair trial.”
Those sentenced, who included a 72-year-old woman, had been residents of Phnom Penh’s Boueng Kak lake area, which the government awarded to a Chinese company for commercial development, including a hotel, office buildings and luxury housing.
They were arrested Tuesday when they tried to rebuild their homes on the land where their old houses were demolished by the developers in 2010.
The group has protested several times in the last few years to demand land titles they said had been promised by Prime Minister Hun Sen’s government. They claimed that the city government resettled some families, but did not include them.
Ou Virak said the issue of the rich and powerful grabbing land from the poor — who then are arrested if they resist or complain — was becoming more serious.
Pung Chhic Kek, president of the local human rights group Licadho, said the case against the women was groundless and described the legal proceedings as “a show trial and ridiculous.”
She said that lawyers from her organization were barred from talking with the defendants and introducing witnesses.
China-Paid Burmese Troops Accused of Abuses | The Irrawaddy Magazine
China-Paid Burmese Troops Accused of Abuses | The Irrawaddy Magazine
CHARLIE CAMPBELL / THE IRRAWADDY, May 26, 2012
Ethnic minorities in northern Burma are suffering massive human rights abuses at the hands of government troops due to foreign-backed investment projects, according to a new report.
Catalyst for Conflict, by the Ta’ang Students and Youth Organization (TSYO), accuses Burmese government troops of being paid to protect Chinese mega projects and inflicting executions, beatings, forced labor and extortion on local people as a consequence.
Oil and gas pipelines plus hydropower dams have been the subject of a huge public outcry, and so Burmese government soldiers are apparently being employed as mercenary security guards by the companies concerned.
In March, two villagers coming back from fishing near a Chinese dam site were interrogated and killed by patrolling Burmese soldiers, claims the TSYO report.
“Foreign investors are cold-bloodedly fuelling war in Burma,” said Mai Khroue Dang of the TSYO. “All mega projects should be suspended until Burmese troops withdraw and political dialogue leads to a meaningful resolution of conflict.”
The group details how the military expansion is directly linked to securing Chinese mega projects, and how Chinese firms are paying 5,000 kyat (US $6) per day to Burmese soldiers from local battalions for security around pipelines which will carry oil and gas to China.
Control over natural resources and abuses by the government troops have been core grievances in both Kachin and Shan states where conflicts erupted last year. In July, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) was formed and has since launched several attacks against Burmese troops patrolling in Ta’ang areas.
“Fierce battles have broken out in areas that have not seen fighting for over 20 years,” said the report. “Soldiers from the Burma Army have moved from their main bases to live in villages and now regularly patrol local areas, increasing abuses against local populations including killings, beatings, forced labor, and extortion.”
Since December 2011, more than 1,000 men, women and children have become internally displaced, sheltering in Nam Kham and Mantong, while many others have also fled to China to escape the war, claims the TSYO.
A historic peace deal was signed between the Shan State Army and Burmese government last weekend which also aims to wipe out narcotics from the region by 2015, but fighting has nevertheless been reported from the area this week.
The Ta’ang, also known as Palaung, is an ethnic group numbering around one million living in the hills of Burma’s Shan State and China’s southern Yunnan Province.
CHARLIE CAMPBELL / THE IRRAWADDY, May 26, 2012
Ethnic minorities in northern Burma are suffering massive human rights abuses at the hands of government troops due to foreign-backed investment projects, according to a new report.
Catalyst for Conflict, by the Ta’ang Students and Youth Organization (TSYO), accuses Burmese government troops of being paid to protect Chinese mega projects and inflicting executions, beatings, forced labor and extortion on local people as a consequence.
Oil and gas pipelines plus hydropower dams have been the subject of a huge public outcry, and so Burmese government soldiers are apparently being employed as mercenary security guards by the companies concerned.
In March, two villagers coming back from fishing near a Chinese dam site were interrogated and killed by patrolling Burmese soldiers, claims the TSYO report.
“Foreign investors are cold-bloodedly fuelling war in Burma,” said Mai Khroue Dang of the TSYO. “All mega projects should be suspended until Burmese troops withdraw and political dialogue leads to a meaningful resolution of conflict.”
The group details how the military expansion is directly linked to securing Chinese mega projects, and how Chinese firms are paying 5,000 kyat (US $6) per day to Burmese soldiers from local battalions for security around pipelines which will carry oil and gas to China.
Control over natural resources and abuses by the government troops have been core grievances in both Kachin and Shan states where conflicts erupted last year. In July, the Ta’ang National Liberation Army (TNLA) was formed and has since launched several attacks against Burmese troops patrolling in Ta’ang areas.
“Fierce battles have broken out in areas that have not seen fighting for over 20 years,” said the report. “Soldiers from the Burma Army have moved from their main bases to live in villages and now regularly patrol local areas, increasing abuses against local populations including killings, beatings, forced labor, and extortion.”
Since December 2011, more than 1,000 men, women and children have become internally displaced, sheltering in Nam Kham and Mantong, while many others have also fled to China to escape the war, claims the TSYO.
A historic peace deal was signed between the Shan State Army and Burmese government last weekend which also aims to wipe out narcotics from the region by 2015, but fighting has nevertheless been reported from the area this week.
The Ta’ang, also known as Palaung, is an ethnic group numbering around one million living in the hills of Burma’s Shan State and China’s southern Yunnan Province.
Friday, May 25, 2012
Thai army chief: No apologies to victims | Bangkok Post
Thai army chief: No apologies to victims | Bangkok Post
Bangkok Post, May 25, 2012
"I've already expressed my condolences for the people who died,
including the soldiers," Gen Prayuth said on Friday. "I want to know, is
there anyone who will say sorry to the soldiers?"
His comment came after Payao Akkahad, mother of a volunteer nurse killed inside the Wat Pathum Wanaram grounds on May 19, 2010, demanded the military apologise for its crackdown against protesters led by the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship two years ago.
The army had already expressed its sympathy, but will not plead guilty, he said.
"As for the victims of political violence, I understand that everyone is still hurting.
"On the day they received compensation payouts [from the government], they were in tears because they still have to take care of their families.
"Let this be a lesson that it should not happen again and the army does not want it to happen. We should think back and see why it occurred and seek ways to prevent it recurring," the national army said.
Gen Prayuth said he had never received an order from anyone to kill or suppress the people since he entered the army.
He insisted that the army does not take sides, but it must show discipline and perform its duty to the fullest extent.
"The army belongs to the people and that should not be divided. People who want a divide between the army and the people should take note that the country will not survive if they are divided," he said.
Democrat spokesman Chavanond said the government was hoping to keep red-shirt supporters quiet by compensating them with money.
He said the government showed insincerity in its treatment of the red-shirts because Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra did not personally hand out the payouts to the victims herself on Thursday.
"Ms Yingluck is not serious about solving people's problems and she is afraid of being prosecuted or being unable to answer people's questions or pleas for help," Mr Chavanond said.
He also criticised the government for requiring the victims withdraw any lawsuits against state agencies as a pre-condition of receiving the remedial payment. He said this would pave way for the amnesty bill to be proposed by reconciliation panel chairman Sonthi Boonyaratkalin.
Mr Chavanond said the objective was to whitewash all sides convicted of political offences resulting from the coup on Sept 19, 2006.
"I want to remind the red-shirt supporters that the deceased red-shirts will have died in vain and that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be able to come home as an innocent man and have his assets returned," the spokesman said.
Bangkok Post, May 25, 2012
Army chief Gen Prayuth Chan-ocha said he did not
need to apologise to victims of the political vioence, as Democrat
Party spokesman Chavanond Intarakomalyasut accused the government of
trying to silence the complaints of red-shirt supporters by paying them
off with compensation.
His comment came after Payao Akkahad, mother of a volunteer nurse killed inside the Wat Pathum Wanaram grounds on May 19, 2010, demanded the military apologise for its crackdown against protesters led by the red-shirt United Front for Democracy against Dictatorship two years ago.
The army had already expressed its sympathy, but will not plead guilty, he said.
"As for the victims of political violence, I understand that everyone is still hurting.
"On the day they received compensation payouts [from the government], they were in tears because they still have to take care of their families.
"Let this be a lesson that it should not happen again and the army does not want it to happen. We should think back and see why it occurred and seek ways to prevent it recurring," the national army said.
Gen Prayuth said he had never received an order from anyone to kill or suppress the people since he entered the army.
He insisted that the army does not take sides, but it must show discipline and perform its duty to the fullest extent.
"The army belongs to the people and that should not be divided. People who want a divide between the army and the people should take note that the country will not survive if they are divided," he said.
Democrat spokesman Chavanond said the government was hoping to keep red-shirt supporters quiet by compensating them with money.
He said the government showed insincerity in its treatment of the red-shirts because Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra did not personally hand out the payouts to the victims herself on Thursday.
"Ms Yingluck is not serious about solving people's problems and she is afraid of being prosecuted or being unable to answer people's questions or pleas for help," Mr Chavanond said.
He also criticised the government for requiring the victims withdraw any lawsuits against state agencies as a pre-condition of receiving the remedial payment. He said this would pave way for the amnesty bill to be proposed by reconciliation panel chairman Sonthi Boonyaratkalin.
Mr Chavanond said the objective was to whitewash all sides convicted of political offences resulting from the coup on Sept 19, 2006.
"I want to remind the red-shirt supporters that the deceased red-shirts will have died in vain and that former prime minister Thaksin Shinawatra will be able to come home as an innocent man and have his assets returned," the spokesman said.
Government to go after Philippine fishermen, but not China’s | Philippine Daily Inquirer
Government to go after Philippine fishermen, but not China’s
Norman Bordadora, Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 25th, 2012
The Philippine government won’t go after Chinese fishermen who continue to fish and collect corals at Scarborough Shoal, Malacañang said Thursday.
But the Philippine Coast Guard will bar Filipino fishermen from the shoal, which both China and the Philippines claim.
China has declared a fishing ban in the area. The Philippines does not recognize the Chinese moratorium, but has declared its own fishing ban for conservation of marine resources in the disputed waters.
Answering questions from reporters, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the “instructions to all agencies” were to prevent any act that would intensify tensions in the area.
Valte said Filipino fishermen were prohibited from fishing at Scarborough Shoal. But they are encouraged “to take advantage of the fishing aggregating devices that have been set up by the [Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources],” Valte said.
Valte was commenting on reports that Chinese fishermen continued to fish and gather protected corals at Scarborough Shoal despite China’s ban on economic activities in the area.
There were also reports that the number of Chinese vessels at the shoal has increased to 92, including four government ships. In contrast, the Philippines has only two civilian vessels in the area.
The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest, the seventh since the standoff began on April 8.
Valte said the government was waiting for China’s reply.
Addressing career guidance counselors Thursday, President Benigno Aquino III played down the effects of the dispute with China on the Philippine economy.
The President did not name China in his speech, but said the dispute was nearing resolution.
China has suspended tourism to the Philippines and tightened inspection rules for Philippine banana exports.
Mr. Aquino said his critics were exaggerating the effects of the suspension on the Philippines’ tourism industry. He said only 5 percent of the industry was affected.
The President did not say, however, how the negotiations for the resolution of the Scarborough dispute were going.
But Valte said the inspection rules for Philippine banana exports appeared to have been relaxed.
“I assume that [Agriculture] Secretary [Proceso] Alcala has already reported to the President that a total of 170 containers [have been] allowed to pass since Sunday,” Valte said.
Mr. Aquino on Wednesday swore into office two special envoys to China, Cesar Zalamea for trade and Domingo Lee for tourism.
The President still has to find a nominee for ambassador to China.
Originally posted at 06:35 pm | Thursday, May 24, 2012
Norman Bordadora, Philippine Daily Inquirer, May 25th, 2012
The Philippine government won’t go after Chinese fishermen who continue to fish and collect corals at Scarborough Shoal, Malacañang said Thursday.
But the Philippine Coast Guard will bar Filipino fishermen from the shoal, which both China and the Philippines claim.
China has declared a fishing ban in the area. The Philippines does not recognize the Chinese moratorium, but has declared its own fishing ban for conservation of marine resources in the disputed waters.
Answering questions from reporters, deputy presidential spokesperson Abigail Valte said the “instructions to all agencies” were to prevent any act that would intensify tensions in the area.
Valte said Filipino fishermen were prohibited from fishing at Scarborough Shoal. But they are encouraged “to take advantage of the fishing aggregating devices that have been set up by the [Bureau of Fisheries and Aquatic Resources],” Valte said.
Valte was commenting on reports that Chinese fishermen continued to fish and gather protected corals at Scarborough Shoal despite China’s ban on economic activities in the area.
There were also reports that the number of Chinese vessels at the shoal has increased to 92, including four government ships. In contrast, the Philippines has only two civilian vessels in the area.
The Philippines has filed a diplomatic protest, the seventh since the standoff began on April 8.
Valte said the government was waiting for China’s reply.
Addressing career guidance counselors Thursday, President Benigno Aquino III played down the effects of the dispute with China on the Philippine economy.
The President did not name China in his speech, but said the dispute was nearing resolution.
China has suspended tourism to the Philippines and tightened inspection rules for Philippine banana exports.
Mr. Aquino said his critics were exaggerating the effects of the suspension on the Philippines’ tourism industry. He said only 5 percent of the industry was affected.
The President did not say, however, how the negotiations for the resolution of the Scarborough dispute were going.
But Valte said the inspection rules for Philippine banana exports appeared to have been relaxed.
“I assume that [Agriculture] Secretary [Proceso] Alcala has already reported to the President that a total of 170 containers [have been] allowed to pass since Sunday,” Valte said.
Mr. Aquino on Wednesday swore into office two special envoys to China, Cesar Zalamea for trade and Domingo Lee for tourism.
The President still has to find a nominee for ambassador to China.
Originally posted at 06:35 pm | Thursday, May 24, 2012
Amazon.com 16th Corporation to Dump ALEC | Common Dreams
Amazon.com 16th Corporation to Dump ALEC | Common Dreams
Rebekah Wilce , May 24, 2012, PR Watch
Rebekah Wilce , May 24, 2012, PR Watch
An Amazon.com spokesperson announced at a shareholder meeting in Seattle this morning that Amazon has decided not to renew its membership in the American Legislative Exchange Council (ALEC) this year. Dave Johnson, a Fellow at Campaign for America's Future, is reporting from the shareholder meeting and confirmed to the Center for Media and Democracy (CMD) that he heard the announcement.
Message to Amazon.com Shareholders (Source: ProgressNow) Members of ColorOfChange.org, CREDO Mobile, People for the American Way, Progressive Change Campaign Committee, SumOfUs, and Fuse Washington carried a petition to the shareholder meeting containing over 500,000 signatures and calling on Amazon.com and other corporations to stop funding ALEC.
As CMD's Brendan Fischer has reported, Amazon apparently became an ALEC member in part to oppose new state taxes on online sales, but Amazon's membership dues and sponsorship grants help fund the overall ALEC agenda, which includes controversial bills like "Stand Your Ground" and voter ID as well as anti-union, anti-immigrant, and anti-environmental measures. For more on Amazon's role in ALEC and how it demonstrates the leading role that corporations play in ALEC, see Fischer's article here.
CMD, Color of Change, Common Cause and others are asking now asking State Farm, AT&T, and Johnson & Johnson to cut ties with ALEC.
Message to Amazon.com Shareholders (Source: ProgressNow) Members of ColorOfChange.org, CREDO Mobile, People for the American Way, Progressive Change Campaign Committee, SumOfUs, and Fuse Washington carried a petition to the shareholder meeting containing over 500,000 signatures and calling on Amazon.com and other corporations to stop funding ALEC.
Amazon.com's Involvement with ALEC
Amazon.com, a $48 billion multinational corporation, joined ALEC in 2011. Braden Cox, Amazon's Director of U.S. State Public Policy, sits on ALEC's Communications and Technology Task Force and was a featured speaker at the 2011 ALEC Annual Meeting at a Workshop titled, "Exploring ALEC Positions on E-Commerce and E-Taxes." Membership fees for that task force are $5,000, in addition to the $7-$25,000 a corporation pays for membership in ALEC. In August 2011, Amazon was a "Director" level sponsor of ALEC's 38th Annual Conference. In 2010, that level of sponsorship amounted to $10,000.As CMD's Brendan Fischer has reported, Amazon apparently became an ALEC member in part to oppose new state taxes on online sales, but Amazon's membership dues and sponsorship grants help fund the overall ALEC agenda, which includes controversial bills like "Stand Your Ground" and voter ID as well as anti-union, anti-immigrant, and anti-environmental measures. For more on Amazon's role in ALEC and how it demonstrates the leading role that corporations play in ALEC, see Fischer's article here.
The Rush to Dump ALEC
Corporations that have publicly cut ties to ALEC in recent weeks include Scantron Corporation, Kaplan Higher Education, Procter & Gamble, YUM! Brands, Blue Cross Blue Shield, American Traffic Solutions, Reed Elsevier, Arizona Public Service, Mars, Wendy's, McDonald's, Intuit, Kraft Foods, PepsiCo, and Coca-Cola. The addition of Amazon.com brings the total to 16. Four non-profits -- Lumina Foundation for Education, the National Association of Charter School Authorizers (NACSA), the National Board for Professional Teaching Standards (NBPTS), and the Gates Foundation -- and 54 state legislators have also cut ties with ALEC.CMD, Color of Change, Common Cause and others are asking now asking State Farm, AT&T, and Johnson & Johnson to cut ties with ALEC.
© 2012 Center for Media & Democracy
Thursday, May 24, 2012
Thai govt makes first payouts to violence victims today | Bangkok Post
Thai govt makes first payouts to violence victims today | Bangkok Post
Achara Ashayagachat, Bangkok Post, May 24, 2012
Under the package, 522 people from both colour-coded groups have been deemed entitled to receive payments.
The ceremony will be held at Government House this afternoon, when those eligible will receive a compensation package from the hand of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
The first tranche of payments, totalling more than 577 million baht, is for a total of 44 deaths, 56 severe injuries, 177 less severe injuries, and 239 minor injuries, and six disabilities.
The government in January approved the compensation package for victims of political unrest which took place between 2005 and the 2010 Bangkok violence.
Under the package, which is based on suggestions by the Truth for Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the family of each slain victim will be entitled to 7.7 million baht (257,000 USD), while the injured will receive different amounts of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries.
Elisabetta Polenghi, younger sister of Italian journalist Fabio who was killed on May 19, expects to receive the full amount of 7.7 million baht.
The compensation for Reuters cameraman Hiroyuki Muramoto will not be handed out today as his family and the Japanese embassy would like to keep the matter low-key.
Former premier Thaksin said during his phone-in to the red shirt rally to mark the second anniversary of the crackdown last Saturday that the compensation would pave the way for national reconciliation. Some relatives of fallen red shirts, however, do not agree.
"I understand and sympathise with Khun Thaksin but I'm quite disappointed too since it's people like our family who had to sacrifice for justice and for reconciliation," said Waranid Asawasirimunkhong, wife of Thanuthat who was shot in the Bon Kai area on May 14, 2010 and died in March this year.
Mrs Waranid, who is entitled to compensation but whose name is not among the first lot, said she would not withdraw a civil suit she has filed against the government until she gets full compensation.
Red shirts who are still in jail have a more immediate concern than national reconciliation. "This issue [reconciliation] is too big for me. What worries me most is how to get bail. We need freedom," said Buarien, from Udon Thani, speaking from the temporary prison in Lak Si.
Somsak Prasansap, 52, from Ubon Ratchathani, who was jailed for 33 years for torching the provincial hall said: "We have fought this hard just to get him [Thaksin] back. Now everyone must sacrifice so we can get a great leader."
Achara Ashayagachat, Bangkok Post, May 24, 2012
The government makes the first compensation
payouts to victims of political violence today, ushering in an era of
reconciliation which has drawn mixed reactions even from its red shirt
supporters.
Under the package, 522 people from both colour-coded groups have been deemed entitled to receive payments.
The ceremony will be held at Government House this afternoon, when those eligible will receive a compensation package from the hand of Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.
The first tranche of payments, totalling more than 577 million baht, is for a total of 44 deaths, 56 severe injuries, 177 less severe injuries, and 239 minor injuries, and six disabilities.
The government in January approved the compensation package for victims of political unrest which took place between 2005 and the 2010 Bangkok violence.
Under the package, which is based on suggestions by the Truth for Reconciliation Commission (TRC), the family of each slain victim will be entitled to 7.7 million baht (257,000 USD), while the injured will receive different amounts of compensation depending on the severity of their injuries.
Elisabetta Polenghi, younger sister of Italian journalist Fabio who was killed on May 19, expects to receive the full amount of 7.7 million baht.
The compensation for Reuters cameraman Hiroyuki Muramoto will not be handed out today as his family and the Japanese embassy would like to keep the matter low-key.
Former premier Thaksin said during his phone-in to the red shirt rally to mark the second anniversary of the crackdown last Saturday that the compensation would pave the way for national reconciliation. Some relatives of fallen red shirts, however, do not agree.
"I understand and sympathise with Khun Thaksin but I'm quite disappointed too since it's people like our family who had to sacrifice for justice and for reconciliation," said Waranid Asawasirimunkhong, wife of Thanuthat who was shot in the Bon Kai area on May 14, 2010 and died in March this year.
Mrs Waranid, who is entitled to compensation but whose name is not among the first lot, said she would not withdraw a civil suit she has filed against the government until she gets full compensation.
Red shirts who are still in jail have a more immediate concern than national reconciliation. "This issue [reconciliation] is too big for me. What worries me most is how to get bail. We need freedom," said Buarien, from Udon Thani, speaking from the temporary prison in Lak Si.
Somsak Prasansap, 52, from Ubon Ratchathani, who was jailed for 33 years for torching the provincial hall said: "We have fought this hard just to get him [Thaksin] back. Now everyone must sacrifice so we can get a great leader."
Assange Fate to Be Determined Next Week | Common Dreams
Assange Fate to Be Determined Next Week | Common Dreams
Common Dreams staff, May 23, 2012 by Common Dreams
Common Dreams staff, May 23, 2012 by Common Dreams
Julian Assange will find out next Wednesday whether he will be extradited to Sweden to face sex crime allegations.
Assange talking to Occupy LSX. (photo: Matthew Taylor)
The UK's Supreme Court will make the announcement May 30.
Lawyers for Assange say the original arrest warrant is not valid, and Assange has maintained that the allegations are politically motivated.
Assange talking to Occupy LSX. (photo: Matthew Taylor)
The UK's Supreme Court will make the announcement May 30.
Lawyers for Assange say the original arrest warrant is not valid, and Assange has maintained that the allegations are politically motivated.
* * *
The Guardian: Julian Assange extradition verdict due next weekThe supreme court will deliver its verdict next Wednesday on whether or not the WikiLeaks founder, Julian Assange, should be deported to Sweden to face allegations of rape and sexual assault.
The short judgment on 30 May will include an explanation of the decision the seven-strong panel of justices reaches. It is expected to focus on the narrow issue of whether or not a European arrest warrant (EAW) issued by a prosecutor is valid.
* * *
RT: Extradition showdown: UK Supreme Court to rule on AssangeAssange’s lawyers are calling on judges to block the extradition. They say that the initial European warrant that put Assange under house arrest in Britain over 500 days ago was “invalid and unenforceable” and that Swedish prosecutor had no authority to issue it. [...]
Julian Assange claims that the legal case against him is politically motivated and fabricated by governments outraged by their dirty secrets being published on the notorious whistleblowing WikiLeaks website.
Wednesday, May 23, 2012
UK govt expresses concern about death of Ah Kong, calls for LM review | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
UK govt expresses concern about death of Ah Kong, calls for LM review | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
Andrew Spooner, May 23, 2012
Last week I blogged about questions raised in the UK Parliament by the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kerry McCarthy MP (Bristol East, Labour Party) regarding Thailand’s use of its infamous lese majeste laws and the treatment/death of Ampon Tangnoppakul aka Ah Kong (a Thai political prisoner who died on May 8, 2012). My original posting, with Kerry McCarthy MP’s questions, can be found here.
Yesterday, the Minister of State (South East Asia/Far East, Caribbean, Central/South America, Australasia and Pacific) at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Jeremy Browne MP (Taunton Deane, Liberal Democrat) published the UK government’s response to these questions (the full answers can be found here, here, here and here).
What is clear from these responses is that the UK is very uneasy about the lese majeste law itself, the disproportionate sentences meted out by the courts for those found guilty of LM and the general treatment of prisoners.
What is also becoming evident is that the USA is increasingly isolated in its continued and persistent failure to hold Thailand – an important military ally of the USA – to account for its human rights breaches. Given that the USA have been long-term backers of Thailand’s most powerful and least democratic element and biggest supporter of the lese majeste law – the Thai Army – this should come as no surprise to commentators.
Furthermore, a US citizen, Joe Gordon, remains imprisoned in Thailand on lese majeste charges for comments he posted online whilst he was resident in the USA. The USA’s Bangkok mission has been noted for its lack of response to the imprisonment of one its nationals under one of the most draconian censorship laws on earth and the UK’s statement further underlines US failures on this issue.
On Ah Kong the UK Minister of State responded that:
The wider international community – with the exception of the USA – is now explicit in its eagerness for Thailand to make more headway in meeting its legal obligations under international law. To do this it would seem that the democratically elected Thai government will need to bring the Thai Army – the biggest supporters of lese majeste – under civilian control. This civilian control is also unlikely to be achieved without US assistance and the longer the US fail to act to bring their clients in the Thai Army to heel the longer Thailand’s slide away from democracy will be.
It can also be said that since the death of Ah Kong Thai domestic opinion has hardened at both ends of the lese majeste debate. Such hardening will likely only lead to more conflict, something only those who benefit from a widening of Thailand’s political crisis would seek. It’s time for the US to step-up and demand the Thai Army allow for proper reform to take place.
All I can say is – don’t hold your breath.
UPDATE
Couple of claims here in the comments that the US has actually made an equivalent formal call for Thailand’s lese majeste laws to be reformed. They haven’t. What actually happened is that Kristie Kenney made a couple of very bland comments on twitter, while the Embassy made one short statement about the imprisonment of Joe Gordon. Then there was a strange and almost orchestrated over-reaction to these very banal comments by various Thai neo-fascist patriot groups. Since then the US has been mostly silent, despite one of their citizens remaining in prison after what can only be called a deeply flawed trial.
As pointed out by myself in the comments below when the Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council was conducted last year in Geneva – the moment when LM came under the closest international scrutiny – the US refused to sign a statement, something a number of other governments did, which called for Thailand’s 112 law to be reformed. If the USA had done it would have given considerable more weight to the statement. The US didn’t. Question is, why?
http://www.article19.org/resources.php/resource/2761/en/un:-spotlight-on-thailand’s-l
What the US govt have actually said formally was they were “troubled by recent prosecutions and court decisions that are not consistent with international standards of freedom of expression.”
This is a relatively bland and meaningless statement and when set against the UK, EU and other governments’ calls for reform of LM, increasingly isolates the US in their one-eyed stance on lese majeste.
Andrew Spooner, May 23, 2012
Last week I blogged about questions raised in the UK Parliament by the Shadow Minister for Foreign Affairs, Kerry McCarthy MP (Bristol East, Labour Party) regarding Thailand’s use of its infamous lese majeste laws and the treatment/death of Ampon Tangnoppakul aka Ah Kong (a Thai political prisoner who died on May 8, 2012). My original posting, with Kerry McCarthy MP’s questions, can be found here.
Yesterday, the Minister of State (South East Asia/Far East, Caribbean, Central/South America, Australasia and Pacific) at the Foreign and Commonwealth Office, Jeremy Browne MP (Taunton Deane, Liberal Democrat) published the UK government’s response to these questions (the full answers can be found here, here, here and here).
What is clear from these responses is that the UK is very uneasy about the lese majeste law itself, the disproportionate sentences meted out by the courts for those found guilty of LM and the general treatment of prisoners.
What is also becoming evident is that the USA is increasingly isolated in its continued and persistent failure to hold Thailand – an important military ally of the USA – to account for its human rights breaches. Given that the USA have been long-term backers of Thailand’s most powerful and least democratic element and biggest supporter of the lese majeste law – the Thai Army – this should come as no surprise to commentators.
Furthermore, a US citizen, Joe Gordon, remains imprisoned in Thailand on lese majeste charges for comments he posted online whilst he was resident in the USA. The USA’s Bangkok mission has been noted for its lack of response to the imprisonment of one its nationals under one of the most draconian censorship laws on earth and the UK’s statement further underlines US failures on this issue.
On Ah Kong the UK Minister of State responded that:
With our European Union partners, the UK expressed concern last year at the conviction and imprisonment for 20 years of Ampon Tangnoppakul for violating the lese-majeste laws.And:
[This] statement reiterated the importance attached by the EU [the UK were co-signatories of an EU statement] to the rule of law, democracy and respect for human rights.On lese majeste the Minister stated:
We are closely following the development of freedom of expression in Thailand and are concerned by the significant increase of lese-majeste cases in the country and the application of the laws and length of sentences in recent cases.And:
Our embassy in Bangkok continues to monitor the ongoing trials of high-profile lese-majeste and freedom of expression on the internet cases. We have urged the Thai Government to ensure that the rule of law is applied in a non-discriminatory and proportionate manner consistent with upholding basic human rights, and will continue to take appropriate opportunities to do so.More importantly the UK government also makes clear its call for Thailand to review the lese majeste laws:
In October 2011 at the UN Human Rights Council in Geneva, the human rights situation in Thailand was reviewed as part of the Universal Periodic Review process. The UK played an active role, including raising our concerns about freedom of expression and specifically recommending that the Thai Government seek to review its lese-majeste laws.What impact these comments will have is, of course, debatable.
The wider international community – with the exception of the USA – is now explicit in its eagerness for Thailand to make more headway in meeting its legal obligations under international law. To do this it would seem that the democratically elected Thai government will need to bring the Thai Army – the biggest supporters of lese majeste – under civilian control. This civilian control is also unlikely to be achieved without US assistance and the longer the US fail to act to bring their clients in the Thai Army to heel the longer Thailand’s slide away from democracy will be.
It can also be said that since the death of Ah Kong Thai domestic opinion has hardened at both ends of the lese majeste debate. Such hardening will likely only lead to more conflict, something only those who benefit from a widening of Thailand’s political crisis would seek. It’s time for the US to step-up and demand the Thai Army allow for proper reform to take place.
All I can say is – don’t hold your breath.
UPDATE
Couple of claims here in the comments that the US has actually made an equivalent formal call for Thailand’s lese majeste laws to be reformed. They haven’t. What actually happened is that Kristie Kenney made a couple of very bland comments on twitter, while the Embassy made one short statement about the imprisonment of Joe Gordon. Then there was a strange and almost orchestrated over-reaction to these very banal comments by various Thai neo-fascist patriot groups. Since then the US has been mostly silent, despite one of their citizens remaining in prison after what can only be called a deeply flawed trial.
As pointed out by myself in the comments below when the Universal Periodic Review at the United Nations Human Rights Council was conducted last year in Geneva – the moment when LM came under the closest international scrutiny – the US refused to sign a statement, something a number of other governments did, which called for Thailand’s 112 law to be reformed. If the USA had done it would have given considerable more weight to the statement. The US didn’t. Question is, why?
http://www.article19.org/resources.php/resource/2761/en/un:-spotlight-on-thailand’s-l
What the US govt have actually said formally was they were “troubled by recent prosecutions and court decisions that are not consistent with international standards of freedom of expression.”
This is a relatively bland and meaningless statement and when set against the UK, EU and other governments’ calls for reform of LM, increasingly isolates the US in their one-eyed stance on lese majeste.
Magazine wins rare court ruling for Burma media | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
Magazine wins rare court ruling for Burma media | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
AP News, May 23, 2012
YANGON, Burma (AP) — A private news magazine in Burma won a rare court victory Wednesday and will not have to reveal the name of a reporter who wrote about corruption at government ministries.
“The Voice” weekly still faces a defamation suit over the article published in March. The initial court ruling means it will be allowed to protect its reporter’s name, lawyer Win Shwe told The Associated Press.
Lawsuits involving the media are a new development in Burma and part of an easing of censorship under the reform-minded government that took office last year.
Under the previous military regime, strict media censorship determined what was fit to print and violators faced severe penalties.
Despite the new freedoms, publications still follow their old policy of writing anonymously on sensitive subjects.
In the article published in March, The Voice wrote about misappropriation and irregularities in the accounts of several ministries including information, agriculture, industry and mines from 2009-2011. The article cited a report from the auditor general’s office to the parliament’s Public Accounts Committee.
The Mines Ministry filed a defamation suit in response to the article and demanded that editor-in-chief Kyaw Min Swe reveal the article’s author. The defamation hearing will continue June 6.
A weekly publication “The Modern” faced an earlier defamation case over an article that alleged truck drivers had bribed engineers at the Construction Ministry to let them use a certain bridge even though their vehicles exceeded the weight limit. One of the engineers sued the publication, but the two sides settled after the magazine printed a correction.
Burma’s Press Scrutiny Board has ended censorship on subjects such as health, entertainment, fashion and sports but many in the media say the arrival of lawsuits is a new threat to media freedom.
Articles on general news and religion are still required to go through censors prior to publication, but the Press Scrutiny Board says it will end all forms of censorship in June.
AP News, May 23, 2012
YANGON, Burma (AP) — A private news magazine in Burma won a rare court victory Wednesday and will not have to reveal the name of a reporter who wrote about corruption at government ministries.
“The Voice” weekly still faces a defamation suit over the article published in March. The initial court ruling means it will be allowed to protect its reporter’s name, lawyer Win Shwe told The Associated Press.
Lawsuits involving the media are a new development in Burma and part of an easing of censorship under the reform-minded government that took office last year.
Under the previous military regime, strict media censorship determined what was fit to print and violators faced severe penalties.
Despite the new freedoms, publications still follow their old policy of writing anonymously on sensitive subjects.
In the article published in March, The Voice wrote about misappropriation and irregularities in the accounts of several ministries including information, agriculture, industry and mines from 2009-2011. The article cited a report from the auditor general’s office to the parliament’s Public Accounts Committee.
The Mines Ministry filed a defamation suit in response to the article and demanded that editor-in-chief Kyaw Min Swe reveal the article’s author. The defamation hearing will continue June 6.
A weekly publication “The Modern” faced an earlier defamation case over an article that alleged truck drivers had bribed engineers at the Construction Ministry to let them use a certain bridge even though their vehicles exceeded the weight limit. One of the engineers sued the publication, but the two sides settled after the magazine printed a correction.
Burma’s Press Scrutiny Board has ended censorship on subjects such as health, entertainment, fashion and sports but many in the media say the arrival of lawsuits is a new threat to media freedom.
Articles on general news and religion are still required to go through censors prior to publication, but the Press Scrutiny Board says it will end all forms of censorship in June.
Philippines accuses China anew of flaring tensions | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
Philippines accuses China anew of flaring tensions | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
AP News, May 23, 2012
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines accused China on Wednesday of sending more government and fishing vessels to a contested shoal in the South China Sea despite ongoing talks to resolve a 2-month-old naval standoff.
AP News, May 23, 2012
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The Philippines accused China on Wednesday of sending more government and fishing vessels to a contested shoal in the South China Sea despite ongoing talks to resolve a 2-month-old naval standoff.
Foreign Affairs spokesman Raul Hernandez said the number of Chinese vessels at Scarborough Shoal increased to 96 on Tuesday. They included four government ships, fishing boats and dinghies.
He said the Philippines has only two vessels in the area.
Hernandez said that despite a seasonal fishing ban imposed by both countries to prevent overfishing, Chinese vessels were observed fishing and collecting protected corals.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said about 20 fishing vessels were working in waters near the shoal, roughly the same number as in previous years.
“Their fishing activities are in line with Chinese law and the fishing ban,” he said.
He added that “the Filipino side recently carried out some provocations in the area and China took actions in response.”
Hernandez said Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing was handed a diplomatic note Monday to protest the presence on that day of 77 Chinese vessels — five government ships, 16 fishing boats and 56 dinghies used to load fish or corals.
Manila demanded an immediate pullout of the vessels, saying they violate Philippine sovereignty and a nonbinding Declaration of Conduct on the South China Sea signed by China and Southeast Asian Countries.
“It is regrettable that these actions occurred at a time when China has been articulating for a de-escalation of tensions and while the two sides have been discussing how to defuse the situation in the area,” Hernandez added.
Both sides claim the uninhabited, horseshoe-shaped shoal, which is 230 kilometers (124 nautical miles) from Zambales province, the nearest Philippine coast.
He said the Philippines has only two vessels in the area.
Hernandez said that despite a seasonal fishing ban imposed by both countries to prevent overfishing, Chinese vessels were observed fishing and collecting protected corals.
Chinese Foreign Ministry spokesman Hong Lei said about 20 fishing vessels were working in waters near the shoal, roughly the same number as in previous years.
“Their fishing activities are in line with Chinese law and the fishing ban,” he said.
He added that “the Filipino side recently carried out some provocations in the area and China took actions in response.”
Hernandez said Chinese Ambassador Ma Keqing was handed a diplomatic note Monday to protest the presence on that day of 77 Chinese vessels — five government ships, 16 fishing boats and 56 dinghies used to load fish or corals.
Manila demanded an immediate pullout of the vessels, saying they violate Philippine sovereignty and a nonbinding Declaration of Conduct on the South China Sea signed by China and Southeast Asian Countries.
“It is regrettable that these actions occurred at a time when China has been articulating for a de-escalation of tensions and while the two sides have been discussing how to defuse the situation in the area,” Hernandez added.
Both sides claim the uninhabited, horseshoe-shaped shoal, which is 230 kilometers (124 nautical miles) from Zambales province, the nearest Philippine coast.
Tuesday, May 22, 2012
Rare protests in Burma against power cuts | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
Rare protests in Burma against power cuts | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
AP News, May 22, 2012
YANGON, Burma (AP) — Chronic power cuts in Burma have set off rare protests in the Southeast Asian country and an even more rare government plea for the public’s understanding.
Peaceful protests started over the weekend in Mandalay and were called for later Tuesday in Yangon at City Hall.
A statement from the Electric Power Ministry carried in all three state-run newspapers Tuesday explained that electricity rationing was under way to cope with greater demand and decreased supply during the hot summer months.
Burma was led by an oppressive military junta until last year. Protests and government admissions of mismanagement remain uncommon.
Read in-depth analysis from Francis Wade on this story here: Burma: Speaking the truth to power(cuts)
AP News, May 22, 2012
YANGON, Burma (AP) — Chronic power cuts in Burma have set off rare protests in the Southeast Asian country and an even more rare government plea for the public’s understanding.
Peaceful protests started over the weekend in Mandalay and were called for later Tuesday in Yangon at City Hall.
A statement from the Electric Power Ministry carried in all three state-run newspapers Tuesday explained that electricity rationing was under way to cope with greater demand and decreased supply during the hot summer months.
Burma was led by an oppressive military junta until last year. Protests and government admissions of mismanagement remain uncommon.
Read in-depth analysis from Francis Wade on this story here: Burma: Speaking the truth to power(cuts)
Philippine Chief Justice Corona denies charges, blames Aquino | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
Philippine Chief Justice Corona denies charges, blames Aquino | Asia News – Politics, Media, Education | Asian Correspondent
AP News May 22, 2012
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The head of the Philippine Supreme Court has denied charges that he stole from the country’s coffers and accuses President Benigno Aquino III of conspiring to remove him from office.
AP News May 22, 2012
MANILA, Philippines (AP) — The head of the Philippine Supreme Court has denied charges that he stole from the country’s coffers and accuses President Benigno Aquino III of conspiring to remove him from office.
Chief Justice Renato Corona testified Tuesday in his impeachment trial that has become the main focus of Aquino’s anti-corruption effort. The anti-graft prosecutor testified last week that Corona failed to declare $10 million to $12 million recorded in 82 bank accounts under his name.
Corona said he has four dollar accounts and invoked bank secrecy laws that protect the confidentiality of foreign deposits. He said he made his wealth as a successful lawyer before joining the government and from the sale of his wife’s property.
If convicted in the Senate, he must resign.
Corona said he has four dollar accounts and invoked bank secrecy laws that protect the confidentiality of foreign deposits. He said he made his wealth as a successful lawyer before joining the government and from the sale of his wife’s property.
If convicted in the Senate, he must resign.
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