Worachet to challenge NCPO orders

[webfact]

Worachet to challenge NCPO orders
The Nation

BANGKOK: -- Thammasat University law lecturer Worachet Pakeerut appeared before the Bangkok Military Court yesterday to examine his list of witnesses and evidence against a charge of defying an order of the National Council for Peace and Order to report himself to the junta.

The charge against him carries a two-year jail term or a maximum fine of up to Bt40,000.

Worachet, also leader of the Nitirat group, told reporters at the court he and his lawyer would lodge a complaint to challenge the constitutionality of NCPO Order no 37 and 38 which placed his case under jurisdiction of the Bangkok Military Court.

He argued the order in question went against Article 4 of the provisional Constitution, which stated Thailand was bound by its commitment to treaties such as the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights.

He claimed there was a problem with the court's independence because the Bangkok Military Court was under the jurisdiction of the Defence Ministry. Also, he said that in a criminal case, the defendant should have the right to appeal.

The hearing yesterday attracted the attention of the media and envoys from the French and German embassies.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/Worachet-to-challenge-NCPO-orders-30248488.html


-- The Nation 2014-11-25

[chooka]

Doesn't he understand that everyone has to attend the attitude adjustment factory and be fitted with the we love dear leader chip and learn the happy song.

[noitom]

This guy is not a Thai player.

[thesetat2013]

Since the constitution was torn up when they staged a coupe this man will find his appeals bein heard on deaf ears. The only thing that may save him is that the French and German embassies have taken an interest

If he wins his fight though it will set a precedence for others to follow

[whybother]

Since the constitution was torn up when they staged a coupe this man will find his appeals bein heard on deaf ears. The only thing that may save him is that the French and German embassies have taken an interest

If he wins his fight though it will set a precedence for others to follow

He is arguing is case on the current constitution.

"He argued the order in question went against Article 4 of the provisional Constitution"

[smileydude]

A non-conformist with big principles and even bigger cajones.

As much as they would like to as the Thai's say "slaughter the chicken for the monkeys to see" I hope the NCPO do not try to make an example of him.

Best to let him do as he pleases as long as he does not have a hidden agenda.

Edited November 25, 2014 by smileydude

[rickirs]

The key to control by any military Junta is suppression of resistence. They use intimidation, contrived "laws", the military court, warrantless arrests, secret indictments, etc. to discourage citizens from inflaming the public through protests. To the extreme juntas use violence to disband protesters. While the NCPO has done the typical full court suppression of civil liberties, it has largely refrained from using its military authority to convict resistance and relied on the criminal court to carry out justice (reason for allowing the court system to continue). That at least makes the due process of law seem more civil in nature than military and insulate the military from direct criticism.

Obviously Worachet is focused on bringing his charge to the Thai public and the international community. And willing to submit himself to the full force of the military as far as consequences are concerned. The NCPO might want to act cautiously rather than with Prayuth-like impulsiveness. Otherwise, Worachet may spawn (win or lose) a new front of resistence that becomes even more public and less physically restrained than since the coup in May 2014.

[BeforeTigers]

Nobody's going to make any difference going it alone.
You need daily stories like this for people to see.
Something for grass roots to grab hold of.

... then again, you're contending with life long conditioning to hero worship.
Questioning authority isn't in the curriculum. I dont hear a whole lot rabble in the street.
People seem happy enough to bow at the waist, no lube necessary.