Lawyers for Lawyers has recently sent a letter to the Thai Criminal Court in support of the defense and bail application of Arnon Nampa, a renowned Thai human rights lawyer.
The letter outlines the deep concerns regarding Nampa’s conviction, highlighting the substantial challenges he faces in both seeking justice and pursuing his legal profession. The letter details Nampa’s imprisonment since September 26, 2023, and the denial of his bail requests on multiple occasions. The court’s justification for these denials centers on the perceived severity of his actions and their impact on Thailand’s democratic government structure.
Arnon Nampa, a vocal advocate for human rights and political reforms, particularly concerning the Thai monarchy, has been a prominent figure in the 2020 democracy movement in Thailand. His dedication and commitment to challenging power structures and addressing human rights abuses have led to significant legal repercussions, including multiple charges under Thailand’s controversial lèse-majesté law. This law, which broadly criminalizes comments about the monarchy, has been the basis for Nampa’s conviction and subsequent eight-year imprisonment for his public comments and Facebook posts advocating for open criticism and discussion about the Thai monarchy.
In the detailed letter, Lawyers for Lawyers urges the Criminal Court to take the following actions:
- Dismiss all criminal proceedings against Arnon Nampa that violate his right to freedom of expression.
- Ensure the full respect of Arnon Nampa’s right to bail during the appeals process.
- Safeguard lawyers’ ability to engage in public discussions without encountering professional restrictions, upholding their right to express views on legal matters, administration of justice, and human rights.
- Interpret the lèse-majesté law in line with international human rights standards, cultivating an environment where freedom of expression is upheld.
For a comprehensive understanding, you can read the full letter here.
