A prominent human rights watchdog urged the Thai authorities on Wednesday to lift restrictions imposed on free speech in light of the upcoming elections in the country.
MOSCOW (Pakistan Point News / Sputnik - 12th December, 2018) A prominent human rights watchdog urged the Thai authorities on Wednesday to lift restrictions imposed on free speech in light of the upcoming elections in the country."Thailand can't hold credible elections when political parties, the media, and voters are gagged by threats of arrest and criminal prosecution. With polling day just two months away, the Thai junta should immediately lift all legal orders that restrict the right to freedom of expression," Brad Adams, executive director of Human Rights Watch's Asia Division, said as quoted in the HRW's statement.
The watchdog noted that the ruling National Council for Peace and Order (NCPO) lifted restrictions on public gatherings and political activities, so that political parties could carry out election campaigns. In contrast, orders restricting freedom of expression, and providing for detention and prosecution for speech critical of the authorities remained in place.
Adams also called on foreign states "seeking the restoration of democracy in Thailand" to declare that they would only recognize the elections that would meet international standards.
On Tuesday, Nat Laosisawakul, the deputy chair of the Thai Election Commission, said that Thailand would hold general elections on February 24, 2019.
