Thai politicians can be issued judicial summons during Parliament session

[webfact]

Politicians can be issued judicial summons during Parliament session

BANGKOK, 3 March 2016 (NNT) - The Constitution Drafting Commission (CDC) has revised draft charter to allow courts to summon Members of Parliament (MPs) who stand accused of wrongdoing, even during a Parliament session.

CDC Spokesperson Amorn Wanichwiwat said the previous constitution prohibited the courts from issuing a judicial summons for politicians if the defendant's presence was required in a session of Parliament.

The revised Section 120 allows a summons to be carried out despite any ongoing Parliament sitting. However, the court order must not interfere with an MP's ability to attend the sitting, as his or her vote is required in every parliamentary decision-making process.

However, many are concerned that the new law can be used to tip the number of votes in favor of a political party. The CDC spokesperson argued that has never been the case.

Regarding people’s rights, Mr. Amorn said the CDC has already completed its revision of clauses concerning public rights. The clauses will be available for public viewing next week.

As for those involving the composition of the House and the Senate, Mr. Amorn said the revision process is still ongoing, as many suggestions have been proposed to the CDC.

-- NNT 2016-03-03

[2fishin2]

And why shouldnt they be

[dominique355]

Parliamentary immunity is a fundamental principle of a functioning democracy. If members of the parliament must constantly fear to get arrested for doing their job, democracy is dead.

[ALLSEEINGEYE]

This should make way for a lot more suspended sentences then.

[Srikcir]

many are concerned that the new law can be used to tip the number of votes in favor of a political party. The CDC spokesperson argued that has never been the case.

Never been the case because it wasn't allowed?

[JAG]

many are concerned that the new law can be used to tip the number of votes in favor of a political party. The CDC spokesperson argued that has never been the case.

Never been the case because it wasn't allowed?

Using the courts to thin out a parliamentary majority until the opposition (I nearly said Mark then) is able to form a government does seem to ring a bell!