NHRC to consider Peace TV licence revocation

[webfact]

FREEDOM OF THE PRESS
NHRC to consider Peace TV licence revocation

BANGKOK: -- RED-SHIRT co-leader Weng Tojirakarn along with Peace TV news anchors filed a petition with the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) yesterday to fight the National Broadcasting and Telecommunications Commission (NBTC)'s decision to revoke its broadcasting licence last week.

NHRC Commissioner Niran Pitakwatchara accepted the petition, saying the commission has the right to check if the NBTC had violated the freedom of press, which is guaranteed by the interim charter.

Ready to listen to all sides

He added that the NHRC would also look into facts to see if Peace TV did indeed broadcast programmes that might be deemed as inciting division in society.

Moreover, the rights commission will also invite NBTC member Supinya Klangnarong - the only person who opposed the licence revocation - to explain the watchdog's decision.

The NHRC will then call red-shirt co-leader and Peace TV news anchor Jatuporn Prompan, who is believed to be behind the contentious programme, to give an account.

On May 20, the commission will hold a meeting to examine the process under which the licence was cancelled and see if Peace TV was given a fair opportunity to defend itself.

Niran said the NBTC could only block a controversial programme from being broadcast, but not shut down the station because it would affect the staff.

"If today we are not able to listen to different opinions, then it will be difficult to achieve our aim of moving toward democracy, to build reform and [fulfil] expectations that a new constitution will lead to reconciliation among all parties," he pointed out.

Source: http://www.nationmultimedia.com/politics/NHRC-to-consider-Peace-TV-licence-revocation-30259576.html


-- The Nation 2015-05-08

[quandow]

While most people are advocates for free speech, from what I've read on this forum indicates Peace TV was the equivalent of yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theater.

[Songlaw]

As the absurdity again reaches a crescendo, sanity weeps. Save us a seat at the bar. It's going to take a buttload of gin before any of this starts making sense.

[phoenixdoglover]

I like what I have read about the several cases involving NHRC. They seem to operate with clarity and transparency.

Note the article says the NHRC will attempt to determine if Peace TV actually broadcast specific content that could be objectionable. Imagine that - Trying to document evidence!

[Srikcir]

While most people are advocates for free speech, from what I've read on this forum indicates Peace TV was the equivalent of yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theater.

Yet, no one in the forum nor NBTC or the Junta can detail EXACTLY what was offensive. Even the Democrats are concerned about what the specific guidelines are for losing a broadcast license for content that might shut down their own tv station.

[Srikcir]

The NHRC can go through the motions of an investigation. But so long as the military OWNS the government, the NHRC is powerless to have access to witnesses and/or compel testimony.

Even if the NHRC were able to document that there was no probable cause for the station shutdown, it has no power to re-open the station except by appealing to the Constitutional Court. However, the Constitutional Court is subject under Section 45 of the Interim Charter to the "special powers of the NCPO leader" Gen. Prayut. Furthermore, Gen. Prayut can simply order the station closed under Article 44which would be deemed "lawful, constitutional, and final."

But the NHRC has shown it is not intimidated by the Junta and does take its role seriously. It should as the draft 2014 charter essentially guts the organization.

[candide]

I like what I have read about the several cases involving NHRC. They seem to operate with clarity and transparency.

Note the article says the NHRC will attempt to determine if Peace TV actually broadcast specific content that could be objectionable. Imagine that - Trying to document evidence!

I am a bit surprised by this good opinion on the NHRC.

They have been downgraded by the the International Coordinating Committee on National Human Rights Institutions (ICC), after failures to tackle domestic human rights violations, and for political bias.

http://www.prachatai.com/english/node/4648

They also did not condemn the junta’s ban on political expression, only noting that "anti-coup activists and the junta view human rights differently.”

http://www.khaosodenglish.com/detail.php?newsid=1420012276&typecate=06&section=

[lostoday]

While most people are advocates for free speech, from what I've read on this forum indicates Peace TV was the equivalent of yelling "Fire!" in a crowded theater.

Yet, no one in the forum nor NBTC or the Junta can detail EXACTLY what was offensive. Even the Democrats are concerned about what the specific guidelines are for losing a broadcast license for content that might shut down their own tv station.

I have to admit I tired of searching the other threads for the answer to this question also. If anyone knows could you post it here. Thanks.