Because the targets of defamation suits were media and human rights activists, the Cross Culture Foundation (CRCF) has raised concerns that these cases are examples of strategic litigation against public participation (SLAPP), with the intention of intimidating reporters and activists and making them too afraid to disclose the truth. According to CRCF, the Manager Online editorial team was sued because of its coverage titled “Former suspect discloses near-death experience while being tortured during custody inside military camp”, published on its website on February 5. “The officers and the authorities, whose mandates are for protecting and upholding the human rights of everyone without discrimination and can be held accountable, have reported a case against the media, human rights activists or other people who monitor their practice,” the statement said. “The Army has strict interrogation measures for suspects in cases related to national stability, as the entire interrogation procedures are recorded with CCTV and we have strict rules not to torture the suspects. The media should carefully check the information that they receive before publishing the news, as they are obligated to report trustworthy stories without defaming others.”

Source: The Nation Bangkok February 18, 2018 18:56 UTC