Bangkok--Oct 19--ICJ
The International Commission of Jurists (ICJ) today began observing the
trial of five police officers accused of robbing prominent Muslim lawyer, Somchai Neelapaijit, on the night of his enforced disappearance in March
2004.
The ICJ’s lead observer, Justice Elizabeth Evatt will be available for
interview (in Thai via her interpreter if required) either at the Criminal court on Rachadapisek Rd during lunchtime recess or via phone after 5pm. To arrange an interview with Justice Evatt please call +66 07-9846804 in Bangkok.
Justice Evatt, former expert on the United Nations Human Rights Committee and former Chief Judge of the Family Court of Australia, will be monitoring the trial for compliance with international standards for justice and fair trial.
Although this trial relates to circumstances surrounding the enforced
disappearance of Somchai Neelapaijit, there is concern in Thailand and internationally that no-one has been brought to justice for the actual enforced disappearance.
Background The five police officers, Police Major Ngen Tongsuk, Police Lieutenant Colonel Sinchai Nimbunkampong, Police Lance Corporal Chaiweng Paduang,
Police Sergeant Rundorn Sithiket, and Police Lieutenant Colonel Chadchai Leiamsa-ngoun, are accused of committing robbery and compelling other persons to act under the Penal Code of Thailand Section 309 (2), 340 and 340 (ter). All five police officers had pled not guilty to the charges.
In response to questions of the United Nations Human Rights Committee in
July 2005 regarding this case the Government of Thailand stated the following:
Somchai Neelapaijit has been missing since 12 March 2004. At the time of his disappearance he was representing five Muslims accused of terrorism related
activities. Somchai Neelapaijit has accused security forces of torturing his
clients whilst in custody. At the time of his disappearance he was the Chairman of Thailand's Muslim Lawyers Association and Vice-Chairman of the Human Rights Committee of the Law Society of Thailand.
(See ICJ press release Thailand: Disappearance of Human Rights Lawyer, 22 March 2004.)
For further information please contact the ICJ on
+4122 979 3800 (Geneva).
To arrange an interview with Justice Evatt please call
+66 07-9846804 in Bangkok. End.