NHRC to hold talks between PCAD and assaulted German journalist

[webfact]

NHRC To Hold Talks Between PCAD and Assaulted Journalist
By Khaosod English


National Human Rights Commissioner Niran Pitakwachara accepting a complaint from journalist Nick Nostitz regarding an alleged abduction attempt by PCAD guards, 14 May 2014.

BANGKOK — Thailand’s National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) will mediate a discussion between representatives of the anti-government protest movement and a German reporter who was allegedly assaulted by the protesters’ guards, a top official said on Wednesday.

The meeting was scheduled for this Friday after freelance journalist Nick Nostitz filed a complaint with the NHRC regarding his alleged attempted abduction by guards from the anti-government People's Committee for Absolute Democracy With the King As Head of State (PCAD).

According to Mr. Nostitz, a group of men wearing PCAD guard outfits approached him outside the Constitutional Court on 7 May while he was taking a short break from reporting on the trial of former Prime Minister Yingluck Shinawatra.

After the men identified him as “Nick” and ordered him to visit “Luang Bu,” possibly referring to the monk and core PCAD leader Buddha Issara who maintains a protest site nearby, Mr. Nostitz tried to walk away. When he stood up to leave, the three men reportedly shoved him repeatedly and tried to take him with them.

“You are the NHRC, so I must complain to you,” Mr. Nostitz said to National Human Rights Commissioner Niran Pitakwachara on Wednesday. “I want to talk to PCAD and ask them why they did this. I want them to understand me.”

After listening to Mr Nostitz’s testimony, Mr. Niran signed his complaint and said the NHRC would hold a meeting between Mr. Nostitz, representatives of PCAD, and the police, scheduled for this Friday.

“We want to arrange an open dialogue between the different sides so they can state the facts in front of me and the Commission,” Mr Niran said. “But here's the important thing I want to stress: the dialogue won't be a debate table or a boxing ring. I won't be a referee. If people want to argue about politics, they will be expelled from the meeting room.”

Mr. Nostitz said he is pleased with the result of the meeting. “I’ve wanted to talk to the PCAD for six months, but they’ve refused,” he said.

Mr. Nostitz was previously attacked by PCAD demonstrators in November, after an activist and former Democrat Party MP urged the crowd to "expel" Mr. Nostitz from the protest site because he was a "Redshirt journalist," an allegation Mr. Nostitz denies.

Mr Nostitz says he has received numerous death threats since the initial incident, and following the abduction attempt last week, he has requested two police officers guard his house at night.

“I’ll never be safe at PDRC rallies,” said Mr. Nostitz. “Even if their leadership orders that no one do anything to me, they won’t be able to control the most militant guards. I know I’ll never be able to go there again.”

Mr. Nostitz, who has worked as a freelance journalist in Thailand for 21 years, said his inability to cover anti-government rallies has crippled his ability to work as journalist.

“In the last 6 months I’ve basically had hardly any income,” said Mr. Nostitz. “Initially I had several assignments lined up, but I had to cancel them.”

Mr. Nostitz added, “It’s very painful for me because all these years I’ve always been able to report for both sides.”

Mr. Niran said the NHRC would release a statement today condemning the recent surge of political violence and attemps to intimidate the media.

In the past week there have been several grenade attacks on protest sites annd one on the home of a Conustitutional Court judge, as well as numerous reports of PCAD guards assaulting innocent bystanders.

This week anti-government protesters also stormed most of Bangkok's state-owned TV stations demanding they broadcast a speech by the group’s leader, Suthep Thaugsuban.

Both PCAD representatives and PCAD guards will be invited to Friday's meeting, an NHRC officiail said. It’s not immediately clear whether either will accept the invitation.

Source: http://en.khaosod.co.th/detail.php?newsid=1400067558&typecate=06&section=


-- Khaosod English 2014-05-15

[chooka]

The mad evil monk doesn't give a stuff about human rights, if he did he would call his thugs off.

[Tatsujin]

The mad evil monk doesn't give a stuff about human rights, if he did he would call his thugs off.

I'd say it was the mad evil Thaksin that doesn't give a stuff about human rights and needs to call his thugs off. But each to their own.

[chooka]

The mad evil monk doesn't give a stuff about human rights, if he did he would call his thugs off.

I'd say it was the mad evil Thaksin that doesn't give a stuff about human rights and needs to call his thugs off. But each to their own.

The thugs wanted to abduct the journo and take him to the mad monk not Thaksin,

[winstonc]

The mad evil monk doesn't give a stuff about human rights, if he did he would call his thugs off.

I'd say it was the mad evil Thaksin that doesn't give a stuff about human rights and needs to call his thugs off. But each to their own.

The thugs wanted to abduct the journo and take him to the mad monk not Thaksin,

mad and evil but on the deaths of 2 people ans scores injured you sai its going to get worse..but you didnt condemn the act...well done chooks

[The stuttering parrot]

Only a few posts in the yellow in denial!

It's either it never happened or what about thaksin and the reds.

Pathetic defending these thugs!

[jaidam]

I have always admired champagne socialists, it takes a lot of pluck to go against everything that you are and stand for, while those that know you and anybody with a sense for logic thinks you to be a fool.

Out there on the conspiracy theory fringes of reality, this so called reporter cum red-activist is actually fomenting hatred by giving such an illogical and one sided version of events. By running and telling to teacher, he will not change many minds over to his warped view. Growing up and taking a moderate stance would be best for this rebel rouser before he goes getting himself into real trouble.

[Tatsujin]

The mad evil monk doesn't give a stuff about human rights, if he did he would call his thugs off.

I'd say it was the mad evil Thaksin that doesn't give a stuff about human rights and needs to call his thugs off. But each to their own.

The thugs wanted to abduct the journo and take him to the mad monk not Thaksin,

Allegedly. And these would be the same "guards" who strutted around wearing masks in front of the Police and Army and they did nothing about it. Smells more than a little fishy to me.

[chooka]

The mad evil monk doesn't give a stuff about human rights, if he did he would call his thugs off.

I'd say it was the mad evil Thaksin that doesn't give a stuff about human rights and needs to call his thugs off. But each to their own.

The thugs wanted to abduct the journo and take him to the mad monk not Thaksin,

mad and evil but on the deaths of 2 people ans scores injured you sai its going to get worse..but you didnt condemn the act...well done chooks

My apologies, Yes I condemn all acts of violence from both sides and all involved should face the full weight of the law and that includes the leaders on both sides giving the orders.

How,s that? if you need me to add something please let me know.

[khunsiam]

I have always admired champagne socialists, it takes a lot of pluck to go against everything that you are and stand for, while those that know you and anybody with a sense for logic thinks you to be a fool.

Out there on the conspiracy theory fringes of reality, this so called reporter cum red-activist is actually fomenting hatred by giving such an illogical and one sided version of events. By running and telling to teacher, he will not change many minds over to his warped view. Growing up and taking a moderate stance would be best for this rebel rouser before he goes getting himself into real trouble.

it's all about mind control blackheart, and censorship

[MrJohnson]

I have always admired champagne socialists, it takes a lot of pluck to go against everything that you are and stand for, while those that know you and anybody with a sense for logic thinks you to be a fool.

Out there on the conspiracy theory fringes of reality, this so called reporter cum red-activist is actually fomenting hatred by giving such an illogical and one sided version of events. By running and telling to teacher, he will not change many minds over to his warped view. Growing up and taking a moderate stance would be best for this rebel rouser before he goes getting himself into real trouble.

So it's the journalist's fault he was almost abducted? He might be a red shirt supporter but you sound like a brown shirt advocate .

[Mentors]

The Yellow leaders are not interested about farang journalists. Remember 2010

[Nickymaster]

Mr. Nostitz added, “It’s very painful for me because all these years I’ve always been able to report for both sides.”

Correct. Reporting on both sides while defending one side.

I have read one of his books (Red vs Yellow) a few years not knowing who Nick was. It was given to me as a present. After reading a few pages you know he is on Thaksin's side. I had also a few discussion here on TV with him and he never ever said something critical about the Shin clan. He always attacks the Dems, PAD, yellows etc.

Nick alone is to blame for the situation he is in now. Sneaky dude!

[Crushdepth]

Human rights, what a joke. Why doesn't he just file a complaint with the police like everyone else?

Mr. Nostitz added, “It’s very painful for me because all these years I’ve always been able to report for both sides.”

Ermmm hello. I think we've had this discussion previously and finally got an admission out of Nostitz that he is partisan, not an "independent reporter".

Edited May 15, 2014 by Crushdepth

[MrJohnson]

He may well not be independent. Indeed it does appear that he is partisan. This does not, however, justify him being kidnapped, assaulted, intimidated or harassed. That is pure thuggery.

[Mr Yim]

The mad evil monk doesn't give a stuff about human rights, if he did he would call his thugs off.

I'd say it was the mad evil Thaksin that doesn't give a stuff about human rights and needs to call his thugs off. But each to their own.

This obsession with Thaksin really is pathetic to say the least. This story has nothing to do with Thaksin, it is about an alledged abuse of Human Rights by the anti government protestors. You cant argue a case so you just throw in the Thaksin is evil mantra. Incase you are not aware, Thaksin is living in Dubai and to the best of my knowledge has no thugs on the street. If you can prove otherwise, then fine but unless you can see a pay roll directly from Thaksin to those committing the attacks then your argument is just based on supposition, and we know the sort of trouble supposition can get you into.

Edited May 15, 2014 by Mr Yim

[Crushdepth]

The mad evil monk doesn't give a stuff about human rights, if he did he would call his thugs off.

Mad maybe, but the true evil lives in Dubai and cares nothing for the lives that are lost.

[MrJohnson]

He may well not be independent. Indeed it does appear that he is partisan. This does not, however, justify him being kidnapped, assaulted, intimidated or harassed. That is pure thuggery.

If he had been "kidnapped, assaulted, intimidated or harassed" it would be worthy of condemnation. Instead all it appears happened was that the activist was invited to have a chat with a monk. Not such a terrible thing. If this activist was really a reporter he would have jumped at the chance to interview one of the power players in the current melee. You will remember what happened to the young lad that cried wolf too many times.

Go back and read some witness reports about the nature of the 'invitation '.

[bkkbarbara]

OMG send him some flowers & reassign him to the lifestyle section. Never heard so much fuss over something that "almost" or "alledgedly" happened. I thought frontline journalists were made of tougher stuff.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[winstonc]

OMG send him some flowers & reassign him to the lifestyle section. Never heard so much fuss over something that "almost" or "alledgedly" happened. I thought frontline journalists were made of tougher stuff.

Sent from my GT-N7100 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

apparently not babs,just after the attention that it will bring him..he should try syria see how he gets on there..

[Tatsujin]

The mad evil monk doesn't give a stuff about human rights, if he did he would call his thugs off.

I'd say it was the mad evil Thaksin that doesn't give a stuff about human rights and needs to call his thugs off. But each to their own.

This obsession with Thaksin really is pathetic to say the least. This story has nothing to do with Thaksin, it is about an alledged abuse of Human Rights by the anti government protestors. You cant argue a case so you just throw in the Thaksin is evil mantra. Incase you are not aware, Thaksin is living in Dubai and to the best of my knowledge has no thugs on the street. If you can prove otherwise, then fine but unless you can see a pay roll directly from Thaksin to those committing the attacks then your argument is just based on supposition, and we know the sort of trouble supposition can get you into.

This has everything to do with Thaksin who has caused such division within this country.

As the admitted leader and orchestrator of Pheu Thai/UDD, every attack on the anti-Govt protestors has him pulling the strings. It's not supposition, it's fact. And Thaksin's human rights record is the worst . . . which is why they don't want the ICJ involved in any of this (in the case against Abhisit) as when they do get involved, Thaksin is going to take yet another big hit as it opens the door for him to be investigated further.

http://www.thaivisa.com/forum/topic/726224-two-killed-21-wounded-in-attack-on-thai-protest-camp-officials/

Whose thugs are these committing all the attacks on the anti-Govt protestors then over the past 6 months?

And do you seriously think PDRC guards are going to walk up to this journalist whilst he is surrounded by reporters, Police and Army and "attack" him? Give me a break. I'm not disputing that "something" happened, I strongly dispute that it was PDRC guards in this instance. And again, if indeed it "was" PDRC guards, why weren't the Police able to intervene and arrest them? They were surrounding the place after all. As I said before, smells far too fishy to me.

[Nickymaster]

I have always admired champagne socialists, it takes a lot of pluck to go against everything that you are and stand for, while those that know you and anybody with a sense for logic thinks you to be a fool.

Out there on the conspiracy theory fringes of reality, this so called reporter cum red-activist is actually fomenting hatred by giving such an illogical and one sided version of events. By running and telling to teacher, he will not change many minds over to his warped view. Growing up and taking a moderate stance would be best for this rebel rouser before he goes getting himself into real trouble.

What a sad little post on peoples rights - you see it as "running and telling to teacher"!

What was he supposed to do, ignore it? At least you didn't have the gall to make any comments on the safeguarding of Press Freedom thread.

Nick should be a man and accept that being a biased red reporter might get him into trouble.

[fab4]

I have always admired champagne socialists, it takes a lot of pluck to go against everything that you are and stand for, while those that know you and anybody with a sense for logic thinks you to be a fool.

Out there on the conspiracy theory fringes of reality, this so called reporter cum red-activist is actually fomenting hatred by giving such an illogical and one sided version of events. By running and telling to teacher, he will not change many minds over to his warped view. Growing up and taking a moderate stance would be best for this rebel rouser before he goes getting himself into real trouble.

What a sad little post on peoples rights - you see it as "running and telling to teacher"!

What was he supposed to do, ignore it? At least you didn't have the gall to make any comments on the safeguarding of Press Freedom thread.

Nick should be a man and accept that being a biased red reporter might get him into trouble.

Another sad little post on peoples rights.

[casualbiker]

He may well not be independent. Indeed it does appear that he is partisan. This does not, however, justify him being kidnapped, assaulted, intimidated or harassed. That is pure thuggery.

If he had been "kidnapped, assaulted, intimidated or harassed" it would be worthy of condemnation. Instead all it appears happened was that the activist was invited to have a chat with a monk. Not such a terrible thing. If this activist was really a reporter he would have jumped at the chance to interview one of the power players in the current melee. You will remember what happened to the young lad that cried wolf too many times.

Go back and read some witness reports about the nature of the 'invitation '.

I would love to read "some " witnesses reports ... are there more than one?

any pictures, videos?

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[khunsiam]

Mr. Nostitz added, “It’s very painful for me because all these years I’ve always been able to report for both sides.”

Correct. Reporting on both sides while defending one side.

I have read one of his books (Red vs Yellow) a few years not knowing who Nick was. It was given to me as a present. After reading a few pages you know he is on Thaksin's side. I had also a few discussion here on TV with him and he never ever said something critical about the Shin clan. He always attacks the Dems, PAD, yellows etc.

Nick alone is to blame for the situation he is in now. Sneaky dude!

you mean because he was at the wrong place at the wrong time? Where did you grow up?

[arjunadawn]

Mr. Nostitz added, Its very painful for me because all these years Ive always been able to report for both sides.

Correct. Reporting on both sides while defending one side.

I have read one of his books (Red vs Yellow) a few years not knowing who Nick was. It was given to me as a present. After reading a few pages you know he is on Thaksin's side. I had also a few discussion here on TV with him and he never ever said something critical about the Shin clan. He always attacks the Dems, PAD, yellows etc.

Nick alone is to blame for the situation he is in now. Sneaky dude!

you mean because he was at the wrong place at the wrong time? Where did you grow up?

Nick is never at the wrong place at the wrong time. That is the verbiage of provocateurs. Nick was always exactly where he intended to be. A blind person- literally, get his book in Braille- could "see" Nick is an instigator, and he most surely is always in the right place at the right time - his life's work suggests clearly he insists on this. But I am uncertain that saying Nick is to blame for this situation captures the issue- Nick is not unhappy with this situation at all. A middle aged, washed up nobody, wrote a few books, likely loaded the profits into the publication, hasn't been noticed or noted by any meaningful media and now confronts time marching on and a pretty much a drivel life- I'm sure he is rolling around like a dog in grass.

Now he's "one of the guys..." "Made his bones..." "Joined his kindred brothers in the North..." Are there really those among you, who've looked into this fool, and believe otherwise? Hahaha! Ok, there's one born every minute, I suppose. :-)

Edited May 15, 2014 by arjunadawn

[Roadman]

The attack from the PRDC thugs aside, if the so called journalist actually reported on the politicial situation without his Red eyed slant then perhaps he would have the freedom of access to both sides.

[casualbiker]

The attack from the PRDC thugs aside, if the so called journalist actually reported on the politicial situation without his Red eyed slant then perhaps he would have the freedom of access to both sides.

Alleged PDRC guards.. but I agree with the rest.

Sent from my XT1032 using Thaivisa Connect Thailand mobile app

[Nickymaster]

Mr. Nostitz added, Its very painful for me because all these years Ive always been able to report for both sides.

Correct. Reporting on both sides while defending one side.

I have read one of his books (Red vs Yellow) a few years not knowing who Nick was. It was given to me as a present. After reading a few pages you know he is on Thaksin's side. I had also a few discussion here on TV with him and he never ever said something critical about the Shin clan. He always attacks the Dems, PAD, yellows etc.

Nick alone is to blame for the situation he is in now. Sneaky dude!

you mean because he was at the wrong place at the wrong time? Where did you grow up?

Nick is never at the wrong place at the wrong time. That is the verbiage of provocateurs. Nick was always exactly where he intended to be. A blind person- literally, get his book in Braille- could "see" Nick is an instigator, and he most surely is always in the right place at the right time - his life's work suggests clearly he insists on this. But I am uncertain that saying Nick is to blame for this situation captures the issue- Nick is not unhappy with this situation at all. A middle aged, washed up nobody, wrote a few books, likely loaded the profits into the publication, hasn't been noticed or noted by any meaningful media and now confronts time marching on and a pretty much a drivel life- I'm sure he is rolling around like a dog in grass.

Now he's "one of the guys..." "Made his bones..." "Joined his kindred brothers in the North..." Are there really those among you, who've looked into this fool, and believe otherwise? Hahaha! Ok, there's one born every minute, I suppose. :-)

This!!

[ubonjoe]

I have removed a defamatory post and quotes of it that violates the forum rules.

(6) Do not post comments that could be reasonably construed as defamation or libel. Defamation is the issuance of a statement about another person or business which causes that person to suffer harm. Libel is when the defamatory statement is published either in a drawing, painting, cinematography, film, picture or letters made visible by any means, or any other recording instruments, recording picture or letters, or by broadcasting or spreading picture, or by propagation by any other means. Defamation is both a civil and criminal charge in Thailand.