Thailand: Two Years After Crackdown, Still No Justice

(Bangkok, May 15, 2012) – The Thai government has not arrested or charged a single soldier or official for any of the scores of deaths and hundreds of injuries during the political violence in Bangkok two years ago, Human Rights Watch said today. The Thai government should withdraw an amnesty bill submitted to parliament that would shield all those involved in abuses during the 2010 violence from prosecution, Human Rights Watch said.In a video released on May 15, victims and their family members from both sides demand justice and tell Human Rights Watch that the failure to investigate and prosecute those responsible for abuses during the 2010 violence would lead to a cycle of violence and impunity.
“Despite well-documented atrocities that took place in the full view of cameras and witnesses, no Thai soldier or official has been held accountable,” said Brad Adams, Asia director at Human Rights Watch. “The military should not be above the law. The government needs to prosecute all those responsible for crimes, whatever their political affiliation or official position, to provide justice for the victims and end the cycle of violence and impunity.”