Thai NRSA member seeks to clarify political case suspension proposal

[webfact]

NRSA member seeks to clarify political case suspension proposal

BANGKOK, 11 May 2016 (NNT) – The Deputy Prime Minister has given his opinion that any suspension of charges against political groups would have to factor in public sentiment while the National Reform Steering Assembly (NRSA) assures that its proposal was made with the intent to reduce conflict.

Deputy Prime Minister Wissanu Kreau-ngam has said he will not give any impressions as to whether the NRSA’s proposed suspension of charges for public groups will lead to positive or negative effects but stated that the proposal must be put through its due process and discussed by all relevant bodies. He added that public opinion on such an action must also be carefully considered as any misstep could lead to greater conflict.

NRSA member Seri Suwannaphanont meanwhile affirmed that the proposed move was given with the intent to aid political group members who do not have resources comparable to their leaders or politicians and are thus tied up in taxing legal trials. He said the NRSA wants such cases to progress to a speedy conclusion for the sake of the nation’s progress.

On the apparent backlash to the idea, Seri said the public has yet to clearly understand the details of the proposal as evidenced by references to amnesty laws. He assured the proposal is being discussed and adjusted for the utmost benefit as well as that the NRSA is ready to step back from the move if it leads to more conflict.

The NRSA member asked that members of the political sphere take part in the effort to assist citizens move on from past political tensions.


-- NNT 2016-05-11

[chainarong]

The law should fear nor favour anybody , that includes whether you have no money or well off , the law should treat everybody equal , so the claim that some political members are not as well off as some others has no substance , as they say if you do the crime you do the time , that's for the poor , middle income earners and the rich, one questions why Seri is so concerned about persons without resources, a noble gesture, give me a break. ................................

[Srikcir]

the proposal must be put through its due process and discussed by all relevant bodies.

That being the NCPO ... period.

The public would only be an after thought.

[Eric Loh]

There are few NGO lawyers standing ready to help if only the government authorities respect and protect their advocacy rights. The government also have lawyers should the defendents lacked the resources to employ one. Cases should be trialed fairly; not amnesty.

[Caveat Emptor]

Let's not rush into suspension etc as one day it could affect me.