"If people cannot speak their minds freely or take part in political activities without fear, how can they meaningfully engage in this referendum?" Instead of fulfilling his commitment to respect people's rights and allow them to speak freely, the authorities have now created a chilling climate of fear," said Josef Benedict. said Josef Benedict, Amnesty International's Deputy Director for South East Asia and the Pacific, was quoted as saying in the press release. It said these incidents were just the most recent undue restrictions on the rights to freedom of expression, peaceful assembly and association. "Amnesty International calls on the Thai Government to respect and protect human rights by creating an environment in which individuals and groups can freely and confidently share ideas and express their opinions on the upcoming referendum and any subsequent stage in its plans for political transition," the statement added.

Source: The Nation Bangkok August 06, 2016 05:48 UTC